In a strong signal of confidence in the future of the UK North Sea, Asset One has secured official IRATA Operator status, marking a strategic expansion into industrial rope access services to meet growing demand for efficient, high-quality maintenance across the offshore energy sector.
As debate continues around the long-term direction of the UK’s energy policy, the day-to-day reality offshore tells a different story: operators are under mounting pressure to manage ageing assets, reduce risk, and deliver more with fewer resources. Asset One’s investment in rope access capability reflects a clear and growing need for agile, safe, and cost-effective execution of inspection, repair, and maintenance activities.
“Despite the headlines, the North Sea is still very much open for business,” said Roy Milne, Founder and Managing Partner at Asset One. “Our clients are not talking about winding down. They’re asking how to get more life out of their assets, how to manage backlog, and how to do it all safely and efficiently. That’s where we come in.”
Achieving IRATA Operator accreditation from the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (www.irata.org) allows Asset One to deliver rope access inspection, maintenance, and repair services under the highest global standards for safety and technical performance.
Andy Thouless, Partner & Head of Technical Services, Asset One Partners LLP
This new capability builds on the company’s existing work in asset management, engineering projects, and shutdown support offering clients an end-to-end service model that connects strategic planning with safe, efficient delivery on site.
Andy Thouless, Partner and Head of Technical Services, added: “We’ve built our rope access offering with the same mindset we apply to everything else — real-world experience, hands-on delivery, and a commitment to doing the job right. This is about giving our clients practical support in places that scaffolding and traditional access methods just can’t reach.”
The expansion comes at a time when the North Sea is seeing increased focus on asset life extension, safety case assurance, and regulatory compliance all while operating within tighter cost environments and higher public scrutiny. By offering rope access alongside its asset management and technical services, Asset One is uniquely positioned to help operators bridge the gap between strategy and execution.
“This is a good news story for the UK supply chain,” Milne added. “We are investing, hiring, and supporting long-term energy resilience. The North Sea still has a major role to play not just in oil and gas, but in building the skills, capabilities, and infrastructure we’ll need for the decades to come.”
Asset One’s rope access division is now fully operational, with teams mobilising across the UKCS and internationally to support maintenance campaigns, shutdown scopes, and integrity programs.
For further information on Asset One visit: www.assetonepartners.com