In a period of significant change in the energy sector it is interesting to see where investments are made, as these reflect broader trends in industry and, in many ways, the evolution of services as companies enter or exit sectors.
Team DNS were therefore keen to visit the new Mines Rescue Service Training and Rescue (MRS) premises in Balgownie, Aberdeen earlier this summer. Having operated for over 120 years, MRS is a proven provider of Emergency Response and access/egress training, planning and management solutions who have until recently supported the offshore sector from its premises in Fife and elsewhere within the UK. With its origins in coal mining, where MRS was a nationalised service, the company has varied and deep experience of hazardous environments.
Following investment in both facilities and personnel at the new premises in Aberdeen, MRS is now able to provide a more localised capability for North East Scotland and the offshore sector. With a new team and purpose built training infrastructure MRS can support working at height, first aid, confined space training within the one location, as well as supplying Emergency Response Teams to support high hazard working environments. Most notable of the features at the Balgonwie site is the newly constructed scaffold structure used to mimic oil and gas, renewable and industrial worksites.
As the Energy Transition accelerates and existing hydrocarbon assets age there is increasing need for remote access and work in hazardous locations. Within DNS we note that there is a subtle shift occurring, within which more and more specialist and niche providers are emerging whom can add value to the Supply Chain. It this dynamic that feels evolutionary.
Similar to DNS, MRS operates as a Employee Benefit Trust, which is also an uncommon, but increasingly accepted business model. This leads to a notably more inclusive and team lead organisational culture, with a shared interest in positive outcomes, which can be seen within MRS.
As part of the soft launch of the new premises in Aberdeen, DNS is organising a Pop Up Decom event at Balgownie on 13th October. This free to attend event will highlight MRS capability and include opportunities to trial Rope Access and Breathing Apparatus use, including the new work at height structure, whilst also having a coffee and discussing latest trends in our industry – although probably not at the same time.
