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RITCHIE DELIVER 20,000TH DNV 2.7-1 OFFSHORE UNIT – PRESS RELEASE

OFFSHORE fabrication services supplier Ritchie has celebrated a significant milestone in its history with the delivery of its 20,000th unit compliant with DNV 2.7-1. This represents almost 10% of the global DNV GL certified units and more than any other UK manufacturer.

Based in Forfar, Ritchie has a rich engineering heritage extending back to 1870. Starting as a blacksmith for the local agricultural sector, Ritchie has grown into an engineering solutions designer and manufacturer serving a variety of markets worldwide, with facilities in Scotland, England and China.

Ritchie has supplied a range of gas cylinder handling equipment, skids, crash frames, containers and other bespoke offshore equipment to the global oil and gas industry for more than 30 years. Ritchie has now delivered its 20,000th DNV GL certified unit to local oilfield services company RMEC Ltd in August.

The 10’ x 8’ chiksan container unit will be used to house swivel joints and pipe lengths used in well testing activities during their transit offshore.

DNV GL’s Alex Doig, Head of Section for Offshore Equipment and Structures said: “This is a well-deserved occasion and good reason for Ritchie Ltd to celebrate. Their excellent approach to manufacturing and commendable relationship with DNV GL, demonstrates their purpose and commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality in their products.”

From left to right, Charles Roy (Ritchie MD), Alan Ramsay (RMEC Director), Sandy Black (DNV Surveyor)

Managing director of RMEC, Bryan Fagan, said: “There is a continued drive in the oil and gas sector towards achieving increased efficiency around offshore operations. Reliability of equipment is a core element of this and we strive to ensure we work with the highest standard of equipment and products equipped to meet our client’s specific needs. This unit further strengthens our rental product offering.

“Reaching this significant number reinforces Ritchie’s reputation as a supplier of choice and we look forward to carrying on working closely with them to deliver on behalf of our client base.”

Ritchie’s managing director Charles Roy said: “Reaching the 20,000th DNV GL certification landmark is a reflection of the reputation we have built up in the three decades we’ve been delivering products to the offshore industry.

“Our units have been delivered across the world to customers operating as far afield as North America, West Africa, Brazil, the Caspian, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East. It is very fitting however that this milestone delivery should be going to a dynamic, like-minded firm on our own doorstep.

“We have a long-standing relationship with RMEC having worked with them for seven years and we are pleased to be sharing this landmark in our company history with them.”

Ritchie have ambitious plans to grow in the Offshore Oil & Gas sector and have invested heavily in facilities, equipment and people. Having taken delivery of Scotland’s largest tube laser earlier this year, the company are now able to cut and prepare large section materials onsite, reducing leadtime and cost to customer. Furthermore, the business has recently purchased a larger 16,500sq ft manufacturing facility in the Midlands to replace their existing presence there. This new facility has been fully refurbished and provides a new home to some of their advanced manufacturing equipment which serves their customers in that area.

In-house engineering design, high & low volume manufacturing capabilities, onsite galvanising a DNV 2.7-1 Manufacturing Survey Arrangement (MSA) and its own fleet of delivery vehicles mean that Ritchie are able to offer a great value service to customers.

Business Development Manager, Glenn Hogg said “Whilst the offshore industry is going through a difficult time, there are opportunities to win for those who can offer greater value. Buyers are now looking beyond their established supply chain for a better deal, which I’m confident Ritchie can offer.”