In the late ’80s, our directors took the opportunity to buy out the electrical supply division of Inspectorate EAE. On the 1st of April 1990, Wellhead Electrical Supplies (WES) was formed. Business was booming, and we secured large contracts with major operators.
This article looks back at the last 30 years of our business within the electrical supplies industry and our company’s future as we take on new projects in Oil & Gas decommissioning and renewable energy sectors.
Innovation at Wellhead Electrical Supplies
The oil industry thrived in the ’90s and early 2000s. Some of the most significant oil discoveries in the North Sea happened during this time, e.g., Buzzard.
As the oil business grew, so did our opportunities. We expanded into Asia through a joint venture with Hawke (now Hubbell) and created Wellhead International. In 1995, we divested from Wellheads International by selling our stake to Hawke to focus and thrive in the North Sea.
Through the ’90s, we innovated in collaboration with AMEC and Hawke. We designed and built plug and play integration for the BP Clair platform. This concept delivered significant time and cost efficiencies as the modules could be installed and commissioned in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
We always look to the future, so we are actively looking to collaborate with manufacturers of new technology—one system in particular increased helicopter safety in a big way. Existing helideck lighting systems didn’t give the pilots the frame of reference they needed when approaching in low light or at night-time. This Circle & H lighting system gave the depth perception required to allow safe landing offshore. We installed over 50 systems using our modular plug and play approach for minimal disruption, making time and savings for the client.
In the 30 years of WES, we continue to work with Orga BV, Hubbell, and DNH to design, install, and commission new technologies in electrical, lighting, and navigational equipment.
The New Wellhead Electrical Supplies
In 2019, we rebranded WES. Our rebrand symbolises a reintroduction to our marketplace and a greener, more vibrant brand.
We’ve adopted technology to work more efficiently with digitisation – an electronic portal for competitive tendering, CRM systems and modernising our sales and marketing approach.
There are 130 assets to decommission in the North Sea, and we are committed to supporting these projects. So, we are delivering renewable energy systems into decommissioning projects. Adequate illumination is crucial in decommissioned assets for safe navigation. Today, we can provide systems using wind turbines and solar systems that capture power in batteries for continued supply without alternatives’ carbon footprint.
Although we have evolved, our expertise, credibility and commitment to a reliable, responsive service continue the trust we have built over time.
Our mission is always to prioritise safety, lower costs, mitigate risks, and increase our customers’ asset production efficiency. We have contracts globally with major operators and drilling companies. We continue to be a premier supplier of electrical and hazardous area equipment worldwide.
To get in touch with us, email sales@wellheads.co.uk or call 01224 723 606 for more information.
