NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW MEMBERS FOR THE NATIONAL SUBSEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The National Subsea Research Institute (NSRI) welcomes two new member companies, ensuring a positive start to the new year.

Kongsberg Maritime, which is headquartered in Aberdeen and Newcastle-based Wellstream International bring NSRI’s industry membership to 17 in less than a year since its launch.

A partnership between Subsea UK, the University of Aberdeen, Newcastle University, Robert Gordon University and the University of Dundee, NSRI’s aim is to develop and lead a coordinated research strategy for the subsea sector, developing and maintaining the UK’s position as a centre of excellence for subsea technology and skills.

The member companies assist with the prioritisation and development of research projects and form the NSRI’s Subsea Technology Advisory Group (STAG). This body, along with the university partners, Scottish Enterprise and the NSRI Board, determines the principal areas of research for the coming year.

Bill Edgar, NSRI chairman said: “We are delighted to welcome Kongsberg and Wellstream to NSRI and look forward to their input as we develop our programme of activities for the year. The UK has found itself at the forefront of the subsea sector and along with our partners and member companies we strive to consolidate and build on this position.

“We continually face new challenges and are now, commercially, in a very different market place, so our aim is to channel research and development, skills training and education so the subsea industry can achieve its strategic aims in a cost efficient, coordinated fashion.”

Dave Shand, general manager Offshore at Kongsberg Maritime Ltd said: “Kongsberg Maritime, together with its sister company Kongsberg Offshore Technology, firmly believes that innovation is the key to securing the subsea industry’s future. We work closely with various research organisations and key industry players around the world to develop new technologies and different ways of working. The NSRI's coordinated research strategy is one which we endorse and we look forward to working with their industry members and academic partners to make a positive contribution to the UK's leading position in the subsea sector.”

Alasdair MacDonald, acting CEO for Wellstream said: "This is a very exciting time for Wellstream relating to development of our technology. The subsea industry constantly demands product innovation as oil and gas companies seek to develop ever more remote and technically challenging reservoirs. For us to remain at the forefront of developing flexible pipe technology to meet these challenges, the support of NSRI is considered an excellent opportunity and we look forward to working with NSRI over the coming years."

NSRI plans to increase its membership to 20 throughout the year and will be announcing its latest research programme at Subsea 2010, on 10 – 11 February, in Aberdeen.