Initial Target Reached
One of the leading research organisations, the National Subsea Research Institute (NSRI) has achieved its initial target to recruit twenty companies to join in developing a vision for the long-term future of the subsea industry. The organisation, jointly established just over a year ago by Subsea UK, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Dundee, Newcastle University and Robert Gordon University, is developing a national research programme to benefit the UK subsea industry over the next 15-20 years.
As NSRI begins the implementation of its first flagship research programmes, Aker Solutions, CNR International and Atkins have agreed to become the latest members of the group, joining other companies to provide industry insight and prioritisation for the research projects undertaken within the universities. The three new members will join NSRI’s industry steering group, which is responsible for ensuring that the institute focuses on developing those technologies required to maintain the UK subsea sector’s leading position in global markets over the next twenty years.
In reaching its initial membership target, NSRI business manager, Mark Critchley, explained: “This is a very important milestone for the long-term success of NSRI, and is recognition from the industry that what we are seeking to achieve is moving firmly forward in the right direction. As a genuine partnership between industry, the Universities and the Government working in unison for the long term benefit of the sector, achieving our initial membership target is a mark of the recognition and faith that the subsea sector, for its part, has placed in this initiative to achieve its long term objectives. We have a clear focus at present towards resolving the technical challenges facing the subsea oil and gas sector. However, we are committed to looking at the industry in its entirety and the potential solutions being discussed are equally applicable to other subsea sectors, including the marine renewables, defence and telecommunications sectors, as well as the ocean science fraternity. Reaching our initial target of twenty subscribing member companies means we can now enhance our focus on the delivery of quality research, which we hope will provide benefits for the subsea industry as a whole.” NSRI is currently in discussions with a number of other potential members and associates, both in the UK and overseas.