Local firm in move for new Euro markets

A BOYNDIE-based firm has announced a £1 million tie-up with a Dutch company in a bid to cut client costs and target new markets.

Marine equipment specialists Motive Offshore Group has joined forces with Rotterdam-based Euro Rope to launch new business, EuroWinch BV.

The venture leads the way to Motive stocking a fleet of its equipment in the Port of Rotterdam, which is Europe's largest port, allowing the team to meet European client demand for rental equipment.

Owned by Motive directors, James Gregg and Dave Acton, along with Euro Rope director, Jacques Vroegop, the EuroWinch BV team has a combined 35 years in the oil and gas, marine and engineering fields.

Motive Offshore managing director, James Gregg, said: "We are building a global presence in response to our clients' requirements and the Netherlands has been on our radar for some time.

"Launching the business jointly with Jacques will give us an advantage to win more work in the Netherlands and it ensures we have a strong fleet of equipment ready to be deployed across Europe.

"We are experienced in offshore wind and decommissioning and both these areas are key markets in the Netherlands.

"We are also set to target Belgium, Germany and France as we are now in a prime position to supply rental equipment without the additional shipping costs, which can help clients manage costs."

Motive's standard range of winches and product lines, including high-capacity winches up to 150 tonnes, hydraulic power units, umbilical deployment equipment, deck and marine cranes, will be based at the EuroWinch quayside facility located in Rotterdam for deployment across Europe.

The investment also includes kit to mobilise and test equipment at the Dutch facility.

The collaboration in the Netherlands increases Motive's global footprint to six fleet locations, including the UK, Norway, Houston, Brazil and the Middle East.

A six-strong team has been deployed to support the new venture, which has already secured several contracts with clients who are based in Rotterdam.

EuroWinch director, Jacques Vroegop, said: "I have worked with James and Dave on various projects over the past 15 years and our collaboration combines many years of industry experience.

"Launching EuroWinch has increased the offering of high quality, heavy lift winches for clients across north Europe and complements our Euro Rope services.

"We are excited about the new venture."