South Shields firm lands Taiwanese offshore contract after securing business rates grant

A North East-based risk management specialist has secured a contract to provide services for an offshore wind farm in the Far East.

Pentagon Assurance will provide quality, health, safety and environment (QHSE) services in relation to a subsea trenching project at Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan.

The contract will see the South Shields-based firm coordinate Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA), including management of the risks associated with subsea cable burial, vessel mobilisation, sea fastening and equipment loading.

The firm will also assist with the added complexities introduced to the project by coronavirus COVID-19 for transit of project staff.

Pentagon Assurance director, Barry Cooper, commented: “To be awarded this contract at any time would be great news and in the current economic context it’s fantastic to have some good news to share.

“In addition to the conventional risks associated with this type of project, the coronavirus COVID-19 has introduced a range of additional considerations which we need to factor in.

“Employee health, wellbeing and safety, are core to both our and our clients values so international staff movement including additional quarantine requirements upon arrival in Singapore and the UK are amongst the measures we are integrating.”

The business, which is based within the Offshore Hub at South Tyneside Council managed One Trinity Green in South Shields, received a business rates relief grant from the council in April following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cllr Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, added: “This is fantastic news. We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected many businesses so it’s great to be able to celebrate a success story.

“I’m pleased that we were able to play a part by enabling Pentagon Assurance to access vital financial support which has enabled them to survive, and indeed thrive, during these very difficult times.”