Subsea UK Award winners announced

Subsea UK crowned its brightest stars at its sixth annual awards ceremony, which aims to celebrate and recognise innovation and outstanding achievements across the UK subsea industry.

Sponsored by Forum Energy Technologies and SETS Ltd., the dinner attracted more than 750 people from the sector.

The evening’s top honour – subsea company of the year, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin - went to DUCO. With over 500 staff members, the company has seen turnover increase year on year with over £100 million in new contracts awarded in 2011 alone.

Based in Newcastle, the company has more than 30 years of experience in supplying umbilical systems supplies and offshore services for the subsea sector.

The award for emerging talent, sponsored by Maxwell Drummond, was won by Robert Eddon of Soil Machine Dynamics who demonstrated excellent leadership skills and inspirational qualities. Quickly identifying a gap in the skills market Robert set about implementing SMD's now highly successful graduate and mentor scheme.

Specialist Subsea Services picked up the new enterprise award, sponsored by Technip. A recent name in the offshore subsea sector, the Aberdeen-based company has successfully delivered offshore projects across Europe and North Africa.

Nautronix won the innovation and technology award, sponsored by Simmons and Company International, for its NASeBOP (Nautronix Subsea Emergency Blowout Preventer) Product.

Through this development programme the company has increased the capabilities of current BOP products, enhancing performance and improving safety features.

The global exports award, supported by Scottish Enterprise, went to Bowtech for the successful implementation of their ambitious export marketing strategy.

Expro picked up the safety leadership award, sponsored by Stork Technical Services, in recognition of their commitment to ensuring high levels of health and safety processes and innovation in the training and development of staff.

This year’s Outstanding Contribution Award went to Jerry Baker, Chief Engineer at Atkins.

The first person to be awarded the Society for Underwater Technology Aberdeen Branch’s Award of Merit, Mr Baker's career has spanned over 40 years, during which he has championed development and promotion of subsea integrity, authoring the industry's first guidelines to concentrate on integrity management.

Commenting on Mr Baker's award, Neil Gordon chief executive of Subsea UK, said: “Gerry has contributed so much over the years to the subsea industry demonstrating passion, commitment and the willingness to share his knowledge. He is a well-deserved recipient of this award and will be a popular winner within the subsea community.”

Mr Gordon added: “These awards set out to recognise and reward those companies and individuals who continue to push the boundaries and ensure that the UK subsea sector leads the way globally.

“An impressive shortlist this year meant it was tougher than ever to identify clear winners. Tonight’s winners represent the impressive range of talent and innovation that is keeping the UK subsea sector at the forefront across the globe.”

Full list of winners

Innovation and Technology

Nautronix

New Enterprise

Specialist Subsea Services

Subsea Safety Leadership

Expro Group

Global Exports

Bowtech Products

Young Emerging Talent

Robert Eddon, Soil Machine Dynamics

Subsea Company of the Year

DUCO

Outstanding Contribution

Jerry Baker, Atkins

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