N.S. Firms Win Business at Offshore Europe

Nova Scotia's offshore supply sector is securing business on both sides of the Atlantic. Officials from about 20 firms are currently in Aberdeen, Scotland, attending Offshore Europe, the largest petroleum trade fair of its kind on the continent.

One company that has had success is Atlantic Towing. The company, which will take delivery of two offshore supply vessels now being built at the Halifax Shipyard, now has a joint venture with a Norwegian firm. Ostensjo Rederi AS of Haugesund has been appointed technical managers for the new fleet. The firm has been operating supply vessels in the North Sea for 25 years.

Edda Supply Ships (UK) Ltd., a subsidiary of the Norwegian corporation, will seek out European charters for the vessels already under construction and customers for potential new vessels that would be built in Nova Scotia. About 400 people are currently building the first two ships at the Halifax yard.

"This is an important partnership for Atlantic Towing," said Ron Clark, general manager of Atlantic Towing. "Ostensjo Rederi has a proven reputation in the offshore business."

"Joint ventures of this type benefit the offshore and shipbuilding sectors of our economy," said Petroleum Directorate Minister Gordon Balser. "Nova Scotia firms that have cut their teeth helping to develop the Sable fields are now able to compete for business around the world."

The hunt for new reserves will heat up even more later this year. Eleven offshore parcels are up for competitive bidding for exploration rights. Onshore, four parcels, in Cape Breton and Antigonish County, will be awarded before the end the year.

"Nova Scotians are determined to increase their share of the economic benefits of our petroleum resources," said Mr. Balser. "The companies I have taken to this trade fair give me every reason to be confident we are going to reach our goal."