Bibby Offshore, the leading subsea services provider to the oil and gas industry, 28 January 2015 hosted Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, and Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop, as they announced a new trading partnership between Aberdeen and the Mozambique town of Pemba.

Mr Mundell and Lord Dunlop formally announced the move during their visit, when they met with representatives of the offshore industry and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council.

A tour was conducted of The Hangar, Bibby Offshore’s 50,000 ft² purpose built state-of-the-art workshop and warehouse facility, where they met some of Bibby Offshore’s apprentices and graduates, and learnt about the company’s innovative work in the subsea sector.

Separately, a £250 million City Region Deal for Aberdeen was announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron which will see the UK and Scottish governments jointly invest in the area. The City Region Deal agreement includes funding for an energy innovation centre and the expansion of Aberdeen harbour to help the city compete for oil and gas industry decommissioning work.

Howard Woodcock, chief executive at Bibby Offshore commented: “As a leading services provider in the offshore oil and gas industry we were delighted to showcase Bibby Offshore’s capabilities and to discuss with Mr Mundell and Lord Dunlop the significant challenges and opportunities facing the sector.”

“Today's announcement of the City Region Deal is a positive development for Aberdeen and the wider North East. At Bibby Offshore, we are focused on the long term future of the UK North Sea which, despite the recent downturn, has the potential to continue to play a major role in both the local and national economy. The opportunities today's City Region Deal provides for both new and existing industries will play a part in securing that future.

Mr Mundel, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “Aberdeen’s link-up with Mozambique is a win-win for both sides. Mozambique can learn a huge amount from Aberdeen’s oil and gas hub model, and its associated experience and expertise. At the same time, Scottish companies will be able to bid for new work and contracts out in Mozambique.

“Our oil and gas sector has huge expertise to share. This deal will also bring fantastic opportunities for British companies working in the Scottish oil and gas sector to win new contracts supporting Pemba’s growing offshore industry.”