Aberdeen floating wind specialist acquired by growing Inverness energy firm
Industry stalwarts Ian Cobban, Malcolm Bowie, Ian Donald and Raymond Semple, founded Encomara in 2022.
The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, includes Encomara's innovative Squid system. The technology integrates pre-installed mooring and electrical connections in one modular subsea unit.
This reduces the cost, time and risk associated with the deployment, recovery and reconnection of turbines.
Aurora chief executive Doug Duguid has described the system as a 'true game changer'.
Encomara's team of six will move to Aurora House in Dyce, keeping its brand and identity while continuing to offers specialist advice on floating wind, mooring systems, and subsea field development.
Mr Duguid said: 'Encomara's Squid system is a step-change in floating wind development and this acquisition aligns perfectly with our technical strategy.
'Squid allows operators to modularise and industrialise offshore construction and combined with our fabrication and engineering capability, it gives Aurora a unique position in the market.
'We are committed to providing key investment in the Squid system to develop prototypes, in extensive offshore testing and roll-out to market, as we believe this is a true game-changer and it supports our ambition to lead in the energy transition.'
Each member of the innovative foursome boasts decades of energy sector experience, including in wave, tidal, fixed and floating offshore wind.
Mr Semple previously led regional offshore and subsea divisions for Technip in Brazil and North America, and then global subsea businesses owned by DOF Subsea and Baker Hughes.
Before joining Encomara, Mr Cobban was chief operations officer for Inverness-based Global Energy Group.
Mr Bowie has been an independent consultant and advisor in design and offshore construction for more than 35 years.
Meanwhile, Mr Donald – who won an outstanding achievement gong at subsea industry awards in 2017 – joined Encomara after more than 40 years in executive, technical and project management roles.
Mr Donald said: 'Aurora's ambition and capability give Encomara the ideal platform to accelerate our roadmap and bring the Squid system to more markets, more quickly.
'Together, we can industrialise floating wind deployment while staying focused on innovation, safety, and engineering quality.'
Mr Semple will take on the role of chief operating officer, while chief technology officer, Mr Bowie, will continue in the same role in Aurora.
Current Aurora chief operating officer, Tom Smith, will take on a new role as regional director for EAME (Europe Africa and Middle East).
Aurora Energy Services was set up in 2022 by Doug Duguid and Michael Buchan to help drive the energy transition and now employs more than 275 people.
The firm has invested £750,000 into its new Aberdeen property, Ury House in Howe Moss Crescent.
It has also renamed the building, which is home to its integrated services division, Aurora House.
Aurora is part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) consortium after joining last year.
It has a large training and competency academy in the capital of the Highlands and also has its own in-house design and fabrication facility at Huntly.
The company's global presence includes operations in North and South America as well as Australia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Claire's store in Haverfordwest at risk of closing
Claire's revealed on Wednesday (August 13) that it had filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators ("NOI"). Interpath later confirmed Will Wright and Chris Pole had been appointed joint administrators. The administrators are set to seek a potential rescue deal for the chain, which has seen sales tumble in the face of recent weak consumer demand. What happens when a company goes into administration? This all comes after the US-based Claire's group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in Delaware last week. It is the second time the group has declared bankruptcy, after first filing for the process in 2018. Chief executive of Claire's, Chris Cramer, said: 'This decision, while difficult, is part of our broader effort to protect the long-term value of Claire's across all markets. 'In the UK, taking this step will allow us to continue to trade the business while we explore the best possible path forward. "We are deeply grateful to our employees, partners and our customers during this challenging period.' The UK high street shops that no longer exist Claire's store in Haverfordwest at risk of closing Claire's currently has 306 stores across the UK and Ireland - 278 in the UK and 28 in Ireland, while it has more than 2,150 employees. All these stores and jobs are now at risk, following Wednesday's administration update. One of the UK's 278 stores now at risk is located in Haverfordwest (Unit 7 Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest, SA61 2LJ). Claire's has revealed that for now, all its UK and Ireland stores will remain open and staff will stay in their current positions. Interpath said Mr Wright and Mr Pole will be contacting all of Claire's employees in the UK and Ireland to 'provide further information about what the administration means for them'. RECOMMENDED READING: Mr Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, said: 'Claire's has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing. 'Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company. 'This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.'
Fashion United
8 hours ago
- Fashion United
Paul Smith extends Fashion Residency programme to US with CFDA
British designer Paul Smith has expanded his brand's existing Fashion Residency programme to students in the US. In partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), for the initiative's second edition the Paul Smith Foundation will be selecting one American designer to join the residency at Studio Smithfield in London. The inaugural US participant, who will be part of the Paul Smith's Foundation x CFDA Designer-in-Residence, will join six UK-based designers in receiving a 400 square foot studio space for 12 months, supported by Projekt. Each designer will also receive mentoring from industry leaders, business-planning training, a visa, flights and living expenses. Applications for the second cohort of the programme have now been opened, with shortlisted candidates associated with the CFDA-led arm to begin interviews in September 2025. Designer Paul Smith will oversee the selection process alongside CFDA president, Steven Kolb, and vice president of program strategies/education and sustainability initiatives at CFDA, Sara Kozlowski. Launched in 2024, Paul Smith founded the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield programme alongside the Mayor of London and Projekt. Through it, select young designers are given access to set workspace and a training programme, the latter designed by the Paul Smith's Foundation, which matches participants with industry professionals. In a statement, Kolb said: 'Fashion is truly a global business, and an opportunity such as this will provide one American talent with invaluable experience and exposure in an international market. The chance to work alongside peers in the UK fosters creative exchange, builds cross-cultural understanding, and strengthens our industry as a whole. We are deeply grateful to Sir Paul Smith for his continued collaboration and dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.'
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Radisson Blu Glasgow unveils new event spaces after revamp
This marks the final phase of a £15 million transformation project that began in 2023. The investment at Radisson Blu Glasgow included upgrades to all 247 guest rooms, a new entrance, modernised lifts, and now 1,611 square metres of event and meeting facilities. (Image: Supplied) Hina Rubbani-Mills, general manager of Radisson Blu Glasgow, said: "As we've been on this journey for the hotel to improve our guest experiences, we've carefully planned out our meetings and events spaces to ensure that we can meet and exceed the needs for all gatherings small and large. Read more: How lone women walking through Kelvingrove Park changed Glasgow's planning approach "Working alongside Timorous Beasties has allowed us to infuse local touches and create spaces that provide inspiration for all delegates and attendees, as we set out to become Glasgow's leading hotel for business and leisure. "With plenty of industry-leading conferences, board meetings, and team getaways already on the calendar, we're eager to welcome more guests into our revamped spaces and foster opportunities for creative collaboration right in the heart of Glasgow." (Image: Supplied) The new facilities include a ballroom capable of hosting 800 delegates for conferences or 550 guests for dinners, as well as nine smaller rooms for team building and training sessions. The refurbishment also includes two breakout bars and improved catering options. (Image: Supplied) Located on Argyle Street near Glasgow Central Station, the hotel is positioned as a convenient choice for both local and international events. As part of the redesign, Radisson Blu partnered with Glasgow-based design studio Timorous Beasties to create wallpaper designs for the event spaces. (Image: Supplied) Paul Simmons, co-director at Timorous Beasties, said: "The starting point of the designs was drawing. "Drawing has always been one of our main preoccupations, we feel it's a definite part of our DNA."
