UES
Q&A WITH OMAR AND GREG
In January 2017, Underwater Engineering Services
I joined Seanic Ocean Systems ahead of the merger. I knew
(UES) joined with Seanic Ocean Systems to form
the reputation that both UES and Seanic had in the industry
Seanic Ocean Systems Ltd. The merger positions us
and wanted to be part of the team to deliver this service and
as the new leading authority on subsea engineering
grow the business.
services operating in the global market.
Omar: I got my position as Operations Manager in 2014. The
For over a decade, UES has been building a reputation
ATR group objectives were well outlined, and so I realised that
for superior knowledge and expertise in subsea
not only was this opportunity very well suited to my skills as
equipment design and manufacturing. Seanic UK
a Hydraulic Engineer, but also allowed me to advance these
Business Development Manager, Greg MacLachlan,
skills even further.
and Operations Manager, Omar Irvine, discuss the expansion of UES over the years and the benefits
3.
this new synergy will bring to the industry.
company first started over a decade ago?
1.
Omar: There are definitely fewer projects within the industry
When and how did UES get started?
now. Clients are looking at cost savings throughout the
Omar: In 2006, the founder Jeff Riddoch saw an opportunity to supply a major vessel owner and operator with bespoke engineering solutions, and so UES was born. The company first purchased a hire fleet of subsea tooling along with topside
equipment
for
the
standard
tooling
How has the subsea industry changed since the
package
which includes HPU and Downline Reeler designed and manufactured in-house. These are still very much one of the most utilised packages within UES today.
subsea sector across staff, projects, and overall spending. Greg: At the same time, the industry has gone from reactive to proactive in a sense. Clients are taking their time to assess and evaluate vendors against their value propositions now, which puts us in a good place amongst our competitors. Tighter spending and decreased budgets in the current climate means our clients need the assurance that the equipment is both fit-for-purpose and value for money. We
Greg: This quickly escalated to encompass a wide range of
can offer something innovative regarding the technology
contractors. The service diversified over the years to include
we are developing, and this has tangible benefits or savings
a vast range of rental tooling, supporting Diving & ROV
versus the “old standard”. Because of this, I find that clients
projects globally. The product range coupled with the service
are far more receptive to our offerings than ever before.
levels we offered, quickly established the business as a “go to” vendor for many subsea and marine clients. Omar: As the industry has changed, UES has followed suit
4.
How have you adapted to challenging market
conditions?
building on an extensive hire fleet but never forgetting its
Greg: We have always offered a great value proposition to
roots and still supplying the engineered solution.
the market so in a sense it is business as usual. We know that projects are cost sensitive and will work with our clients
2.
When did you join the company?
Greg: I initially joined back in 2013 when UES was owned by its parent company ATR Group, and again in 2015 when 6
to present the best solution for them which satisfies their objectives.