Peterhead is poised to become the epicentre of flexible activity for the North Sea’s future energy landscape, thanks to a new quayside handling facility by Maritime Developments Ltd (MDL).
The North-east flex-lay services company has entered into a long-term agreement with Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) to lease over 14,000m² of land at Smith Embankment, with access to Smith Quay via a dedicated spooling route.
The MDL Energy Service Base will provide optimised handling and storage services for power cables and mooring lines destined for new offshore wind developments, as well as enabling the replacement and repair of flexibles as part of life-of-field operations.
The multipurpose facility will also serve as MDL’s marine operations base, housing its fleet of portable flex-lay technology for offshore deployment, alongside Project Management & Engineering services for vessel mobilisations – consolidating the company’s 25-year presence in the town since its inception.
MDL plans to invest over £12 million at the site over the next three years to support marine operations and spooling activities. This investment will include the construction of the multipurpose facility, carousels, reels, and specialist handling equipment.
Derek Smith, CEO of MDL, commented: “This new Peterhead facility is a milestone in MDL’s journey – purpose-built to support the energy transition, but with immediate value for today’s operations. With direct access to the quayside, it strengthens our ability to offer turnkey support to offshore contractors and operators, through a central hub for equipment preparation, servicing and support.
“As offshore wind activity ramps up, the sector will need dependable partners with the track record and knowhow to support every phase of the project lifecycle – from construction through to ongoing field operations. From dynamic risers and buoyancy modules to cable connectors and mooring lines, these complex systems demand ongoing care and expert handling – and that falls exactly within MDL’s 25-year expertise.
“At the same time, we are perfectly placed to support maximising output from existing operations through timely O&M response, as well as enabling efficient decommissioning scopes for those end-of-life projects – making this a base designed specifically for the future, but very much considered for the present.
“From fishing to oil and gas, and now renewables, MDL has always been about servicing the life of the field – and this base reflects that legacy while preparing us for the future of energy in the North Sea. It’s another step in our ongoing drive to innovate, diversify and support the sector through every chapter of its evolution.
“And so, the MDL Energy Service Base is not just a reflection of our ambition, but of our deep-rooted commitment to serving the marine and energy industries for the long term.”
Graeme Reid, CEO of Peterhead Port Authority, added: “The collaboration with MDL is a proud moment for Peterhead and a testament to the strength of our local supply chain and potential of our local community.
“By welcoming this new facility, which will take advantage of the Port’s fantastic existing and planned infrastructure, we’re not only supporting the future of offshore energy but also creating meaningful opportunities for local people and businesses.
“It’s about building a sustainable future together – one that keeps Peterhead at the heart of innovation while staying true to our roots as a hardworking, forward-looking port town.”
