Safelift Offshore, a specialist engineering company based in Aberdeenshire, has secured the largest contract in its 31-year history - a multi-million-pound agreement with TenneT Offshore to design and supply manual handling and lifting equipment for two major offshore wind substation projects in Europe.
This landmark win, worth over £4million, reflects Safelift’s accelerating pivot from its traditional oil and gas roots into the fast-growing renewables sector. The contract marks a breakthrough moment for the company, solidifying its role in the global energy transition and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in complex offshore environments.
From Workshop to Global Energy Partner
Founded in 1994 by draughtsman and engineer Peter Innes, Safelift began life in a small workshop in Dyce, designing equipment to improve safety and efficiency in offshore operations. Over the past three decades, the company has evolved into a global supplier of innovative lifting and handling solutions, moving to a larger, purpose-built facility in Kemnay in 2019.
Today, its product portfolio includes everything from baskets, trolleys, and cranes to custom-built solutions for specialist applications — including ATEX-certified equipment. The business also offers technical procurement services, working with alliance partners and sourcing from approved manufacturers.
Leadership and Renewables-Focused Growth
Appointed in 2023, Managing Director Steven Simpson has played a pivotal role in Safelift’s renewed growth strategy, with a focus on expanding its presence in the renewables sector and strengthening international partnerships.
“Securing the largest contract in our history is a clear signal of how far Safelift has come — and where we’re going,” said Steven Simpson. “It reflects our readiness to support the energy transition, combining decades of engineering experience with a growing global client base and deep technical procurement expertise. We’re proud to be recognised as trusted experts in delivering safe, innovative solutions for the energy sector.”
While rooted in oil and gas, Safelift’s expertise in lifting heavy loads in confined spaces, maintaining the highest safety standards, and delivering durable solutions in harsh marine environments has proven invaluable in bridging into offshore wind.
Infrastructure Investment to Meet Growing Demand
To meet rising demand, Safelift has invested over £1 million in upgrading its Aberdeenshire headquarters. Central to this is a new state-of-the-art fabrication facility, supported in part by the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ). The expanded site includes enhanced working conditions, increased floor space, and customised layouts — enabling the business to handle larger, more complex projects and boost equipment storage capacity.
Expanding Team and Global Reach
Safelift now employs 36 people across its operations, including its sister division, Safetrade, which supplies handling equipment for onshore industries. The company has recently expanded its project team, adding two experienced hires to support growing demand.
Beyond the UK, Safelift continues to build a strong international footprint, with clients in the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia — and is targeting further overseas growth into 2026 and beyond. International renewables projects are already gaining momentum, with significant opportunities on the horizon as global investment in offshore wind increases.
For Safelift, this latest contract win is more than a commercial milestone — it’s recognition of three decades of engineering expertise, adaptability, and sustained investment in people and infrastructure. With offshore wind poised for continued global growth, Safelift is well-positioned to deliver high-performance, safety-first solutions for the energy systems of the future.