Chief executive of Subsea UK, Neil Gordon, responds to the recent Scottish Affairs Committee report and the Scottish Energy Minister’s announcement.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said: “The Scottish Affairs Committee report and today’s announcement from the Scottish Energy Minister underlines both Westminster’s and Holyrood’s commitment to our industry. Subsea UK has been working closely with both governments on the oil and gas sector deal and we welcome the acknowledgement of and support for the subsea industry in particular. Subsea plays a vital role in helping the North Sea oil and gas industry to maximise its full potential but our sector also has important roles to play in offshore wind and the emerging industries such as wave and tidal, ocean science, deep sea mining and aquaculture. The global underwater hub, to be based in Aberdeen, will be the industry’s and government’s response to increasing our global marketshare, capitalising on the opportunities in all sectors by connecting, leveraging and enhancing our capabilities.

“Securing a successful future requires a much greater focus on overall innovation and reinvention. It will also require us to attract and develop the appropriate skills, not just those we need today but those we’ll need for tomorrow’s digital future. The global underwater hub will bring stakeholders together to provide that concentrated focus to maintain and grow our world-leading status and marketshare, delivering value for shareholders and UK plc.

“Subsea UK is leading the charge for change through its role as the voice of the underwater sector, engaging the whole supply chain in collaboration and co-operation and influencing the decision-makers in industry and politics and will play a key role in the delivery of the global underwater hub.”

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, UK