Bibby Offshore's Houston-based division, Bibby Subsea, has announced the investment in a custom-built office and key appointment as a result of continued growth in the region.
The new premises, due for completion in November 2014, consist of a 6,300 sq. ft. office space and 2,000 sq. ft. warehouse and workshop area, which will allow for further team expansion. A recruitment drive is planned to increase the number of Bibby Subsea staff in the region by more than 70, both onshore and offshore, throughout 2015.
Since its inception in August 2013, Bibby Subsea has experienced significant client demand for its service offering, which continues to increase across North America. The new purpose-built facility, located in the Houston Energy Corridor, is set to strengthen the business's presence and enhance its on-the-ground support for clients in the region.
Andrew Duncan, President and Managing Director of Bibby Subsea, said: "The new office is located in the heart of the Energy Corridor, a hub for oil and gas operations in Houston, providing an ideal position to deliver our wide range of subsea capabilities to the North American market."
Robert Richmond has been appointed as Vessel Operations/Project Manager to help facilitate this growth, bringing to the business 33 years' experience within the marine and subsea industries. For the last six years Robert has been working for a major international subsea company based in Houston, where laterally he was Subsea Operations Director. With a career that has seen him work across the world, Robert will help manage and develop Bibby Subsea's operational capability.
Mr Duncan continued: "The opening of a new office and Rob's appointment are exciting new developments, allowing for future growth and team expansion. Following a number of successful contract wins in the region, we are expanding rapidly and have outgrown our current Houston facility.
"Increasing our operations demonstrates a commitment to the region and enables the team to continue to offer our clients a high quality service on each project" concluded Mr Duncan.
Robert Richmond, New Vessel Operations/Project Manager at Bibby Subsea, said: "I am delighted to join the team at an exciting time of international growth and expansion. Bibby Subsea's reputation as an innovative, leader within the subsea market was a real draw and I am looking forward to helping drive its international growth forward in my new role."
Bibby Subsea aims to deliver a diverse range of subsea construction projects for operators worldwide. Services include project management and engineering, innovative remotely operated vehicle support vessels (ROVSV) and survey capabilities, diverless intervention, advanced remote systems and tooling packages, in-house survey and data processing, subsea construction support services, and inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM).
Bibby Subsea and Bibby Offshore has grown from 10 employees in 2003 to now employing more than 1,450 people onshore and offshore worldwide, with offices in Aberdeen, Liverpool, Newcastle, Singapore, Trinidad, Houston, and Norway. The company has an international fleet of seven subsea support vessels and 17 ROVs, and will continue to add to its fleet to meet demand.
Bibby Subsea aims to further establish itself within the US energy market by showcasing its services and capabilities at the Deepwater Operations Conference and Exhibition from the 4-6 November, stand 307, at the Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center, Galveston, Texas USA.