CMI Offshore Group’s arrival in Port Glasgow gives a further boost to Inverclyde’s growing marine sector

From left to right: Tony Byrne, CMI Project Manager; George MacLeod, CMI Construction Manager; Andrew Bowman, Riverside Inverclyde; and Steve Jones, CMI Technical Manager.

Riverside Inverclyde (Ri), the organisation delivering the economic redevelopment of Inverclyde in the west of Scotland, has welcomed CMI Offshore Group (CMI), the owner and global operator of a 25-strong offshore fleet, to Scarlow House Business Centre in Port Glasgow.

CMI has taken a lease for the largest space at Scarlow House which can accommodate up to 10 people. The company currently has six members of staff working at nearby Ferguson Marine on the development of its Air Cushioned Barge (ACB) for NCOC in Kazakhstan.

CMI was established in 2006 and has since been on a steady expansion path. Based originally in Aberdeen, CMI was bought in 2013 by a Greek shipping business with broad interests in Eastern Europe, Africa and South America.

The news comes on the heels of another global maritime business, Blu Marine, announcing its arrival in Inverclyde in February and is also working in conjunction with Ferguson Marine.

George S MacLeod, ACB Construction manager at CMI, said:

“We are working hard to bring the ACB project to a successful conclusion alongside Ferguson Marine and other project partners.

“Having a base here in Inverclyde is therefore essential. We are tendering for other work in the UK and are confident that our Inverclyde presence will grow as we win increased business.”

Ri Chief Executive, Fiona Maguire, said:

“We are delighted to welcome CMI Offshore Group to Scarlow House Business Centre. Inverclyde has a rich shipbuilding history, and the arrival of a further globally-operating marine business is excellent news for the area.

“We believe CMI’s presence will encourage other marine service sector companies to consider Inverclyde as a highly-attractive location with a skilled workforce and extensive opportunities for our growing marine services’ sector.”

CMI’s arrival brings Scarlow House Business Centre, which was previously occupied by Ferguson Marine during the initial expansion of its yard, back up to full capacity.

Gerry Marshall, Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) said:

“FMEL is delighted to be working alongside CMI. The fact that CMI now has a local base is a fantastic boost and we look forward to working alongside George and his team.”

Ri has a wide range of commercial properties spread across Inverclyde, including a 15,000 sq ft unit at Kelburn Business Park in Port Glasgow, where Ri is in advanced talks with multiple interested parties.