The staff at Aberdeen-based Return To Scene Limited, part of James Fisher and Sons plc,. welcomed Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy today.
Mr. Wheelhouse, who was accompanied by local MSP for Aberdeen Central, Kevin Stewart, met with the team learning how Return To Scene’s R2S technology has set the benchmark in the visual management of offshore assets for clients including established North Sea players like BP to newcomers like Chrysaor. Return To Scene’s guests were shown how the business is similarly changing the way oil and gas is sharing data, both here in the North Sea and to an increasingly diverse global market.
The minister also took the opportunity to learn about Return To Scene’s extensive innovative research and development plans which included a ministerial trip offshore, albeit by way of virtual and augmented realities.
Mr. Wheelhouse commented.
“Scotland is fortunate to have world class skills, and the infrastructure in place to become a world-leader in driving the research and development of innovative technologies such as those being developed by Return to Scene. R2S is making a difference to the management of offshore assets, which ultimately supports the competitiveness and longevity of the sector and I was very impressed by what I have seen on my visit.”
“We understand that innovation remains crucial to the oil and gas sector for maximising economic recovery and reducing costs, driving exports and sales within the supply chain, and ultimately securing the long term sustainability of the North Sea. This need underpins our investment of £90 million towards the cost of the new £180 million Oil and Gas Technology Centre, the £10 million of dedicated funding support for oil and gas R&D during the downturn and, more generally, a 70% increase in funding for innovation and R&D by businesses to be delivered by Scottish Enterprise over the next three years.”
Bob Donnelly, MD at Return To Scene commented:
“Today has been a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with Mr. Wheelhouse, whose Ministerial remit is firmly in our space. Government support from both Holyrood and Westminster is essential as oil and gas emerges from an incredibly difficult time. For businesses like Return To Scene, having the ability to address concerns of the wider oil and gas supply chain and demonstrating our importance for the industry’s future is incredibly important, particular in terms of exporting and support available to us.”
“We have a young and dynamic team who really are pushing boundaries that I believe will continue to positively impact the industry here on our North Sea doorstep by playing our part in MER (Maximising Economic Recovery), but exporting that technology and expertise far and wide too.”