Kawasaki Heavy Industries has launched its new subsidiary Kawasaki Subsea (UK) in Aberdeen, Scotland, for the production, sale, and post-sale servicing of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Kawasaki has been developing an AUV with a robot arm following an increasing demand for pipeline maintenance in offshore oil and gas fields.
To be launched in fiscal 2020, the AUV will be used to carry out subsea pipeline inspections.
Scottish Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “I am delighted to welcome Kawasaki Heavy Industries who set up an office in Aberdeen.
“There have been a number of joint subsea projects between Scotland and Japan, and I am confident that Kawasaki Heavy Industries will play a leading role in this two-nation relationship in the subsea industry.”
Before the launch of the AUV, Kawasaki proposes to increase its market presence and construct a business network through Kawasaki Subsea, which is strategically located in Aberdeen.
The city serves as a hub for North Sea oil and gas businesses.
Kawasaki is expecting further growth in the AUV market and plans to pursue business expansion in this sector by developing quality products.
The company also aims to enhance customer satisfaction levels for its post-sale services.
Additionally, Kawasaki intends to launch operations and maintenance services businesses, as well as expand the implementation of AUVs to areas other than pipeline inspections.
Considered a global leader in offshore development, Scotland innovates subsea technologies for the sector.
