Sarens PSG, a joint venture between Belgium’s Sarens and PSG Marine and Logistics, is set to boost Aberdeen’s economy with a £1.6 million investment in a new ‘centre of excellence’ for its crane fleet.

The facility, located in the Energy Transition Zone near Aberdeen’s £400m south harbour, will create 25 new jobs and enhance the city’s heavy lifting and engineered transport capabilities.

The decision to establish the centre in Aberdeen was significantly influenced by the UK government’s plans to base Great British Energy, a publicly-owned clean energy company, in the city.

Steve Clark, Managing Director of Sarens PSG, hailed this move as transformative. He said:

“The confirmation of Great British Energy’s HQ in Aberdeen is a game-changer for the city and the wider Scottish energy sector.”

The new facility is poised to play a crucial role in supporting Scotland’s burgeoning offshore wind industry. Clark emphasised the importance of this development:

“As we push to accelerate offshore wind development, it’s clear we need a unified, dedicated approach to ensure that all the necessary resources – facilities, people, and expertise – are in place.”

Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the announcement, viewing it as an early success for Great British Energy. He commented:

“Our decision to put Great British Energy’s roots down in Aberdeen is already paying dividends, with fresh investment and new jobs from Sarens PSG that will help ensure the city thrives as Scotland’s clean energy capital.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We are already seeing the benefits of Great British Energy’s HQ being in Aberdeen and this is more fantastic news for Aberdeen and the energy sector in Scotland.”

The centre of excellence, set to go live next year, will feature state-of-the-art facilities including 6,734 sq ft of office space, 8,138 sq ft of maintenance facilities, and a 36,640 sq ft storage yard. It will be equipped with heavy-duty capabilities such as inspection pits, brake testing equipment, and a wash bay to maximize uptime for Sarens PSG’s fleet of cranes and other heavy lifting equipment.

This investment by Sarens PSG not only creates immediate job opportunities but also positions Aberdeen at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. As the offshore wind industry continues to gain momentum, this new centre of excellence is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting large-scale renewable energy projects across Scotland, further cementing the city’s status as a hub for clean energy innovation.