Case Studies
Here you can see case studies of the varied work carried out by Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster members. If you'd like your company to feature, please submit your case study to project.manager@forthandtayoffshore.co.uk
Rix Renewables Highlights Experience at Montrose Port

A new case study published by Montrose Port Authority highlights the experience of Rix Renewables and the role that Montrose is playing in supporting offshore wind activity.
Rix Renewables is a comprehensive service provider to the onshore and offshore wind industry, delivering services including skilled labour provision, statutory inspections, crew transfer vessels and wind turbine gearbox oil exchanges. The company has established a presence in Montrose as activity in the Scottish offshore wind sector continues to grow.
The case study explores Rix Renewables’ experience operating from Montrose, the facilities and services available at the port, and the wider opportunities being developed to support the offshore wind industry in the region.
As activity continues to increase across Scotland’s east coast, examples such as this demonstrate how ports and supply chain companies are positioning themselves to support both current and future offshore wind projects.
ASCO
Simulating offshore wind supply chain from port to installation
Aberdeen based Logistics, Materials and Operations Management specialists ASCO partnered with Haskoning and Scottish Enterprise to carry out a pioneering simulation project to map the offshore wind supply chain from port operations to on-site installation. The goal was to provide wind developers, ports, and investors with clear, actionable insights to make informed planning decisions and unlock Scotland’s offshore wind potential.
At a glance
- Built a decade-long simulation model of Scotland’s offshore wind logistics to expose real operational limits and future bottlenecks.
- Showed ports can share the load more effectively, reducing reliance on a single hub and guiding smarter investment.
- Gave developers, ports, and investors a clear, evidence-based framework to plan timelines, infrastructure, and risk.
Read the full case study here.
J+S Subsea
Power Delivery Solution for Insulation Resistance Challenges
In a recent international project, Aberdeenshire-based J+S Subsea enlisted Verlume and Viper Innovations to work collaboratively on a project to produce three subsea battery-powered control systems for a Canadian oil and gas operator client. Bringing their areas of subsea expertise together, the partnered companies were able to provide an innovative solution to the client’s urgent needs.
Read on to find out more or head to the J+S Subsea website.
A.F. NOBLE & SON 4x4 Hire

A.F. NOBLE & SON 4x4 Hire is a vehicle rental company that specializes in offering 4x4 and off-road vehicles to customers in need of rugged, reliable transport for remote areas, adventure tourism, and business use. The company operates in regions where off-road vehicles are crucial. The business caters to both individual customers looking for adventure travel experiences and businesses requiring durable vehicles for professional tasks like construction, logistics, and surveying.
Challenges Faced by A.F. NOBLE & SON 4x4 Hire:
- Seasonality and Demand Fluctuations: The demand for 4x4 vehicles is heavily influenced by seasonal factors, with peak demand during holiday seasons or during extreme weather conditions (such as floods or snow). This leads to underutilization during off-peak months, increasing maintenance costs.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Availability: Regular wear and tear on the vehicles used for off-roading require significant investment in maintenance. Keeping a large fleet in working condition, especially for vehicles exposed to harsh environments, posed logistical challenges.
- Increasing Competition: With the rise of adventure tourism, new competitors entered the market offering 4x4 vehicles at competitive rates. Additionally, some customers preferred private ride-hailing options, reducing the traditional demand for rental vehicles.
- Customer Education and Safety: The target market for 4x4 Hire often includes individuals unfamiliar with off-roading. Ensuring that customers knew how to properly handle a 4x4 vehicle, particularly in difficult terrain, became a major challenge. This created both safety and reputational risks for the company.
First Principle Design

Established in 2017, FirstPD is an experienced engineering and project management business based in East Lothian, Scotland. They specialise in delivering high-quality solutions across various sectors, including:
• Oil & Gas and Offshore
• Renewables
• Nuclear
• Marine
• Saturation Diving and Subsea
Their structured, methodical approach ensures they consistently meet the most challenging and bespoke engineering requirements. By emphasising best practices and compliance with global standards, they deliver tailored solutions that add tangible value to their clients.
FirstPD have kindly provided two case studies to demonstrate their work:
Case Study - Hoist System Modelling | Case Study - Saturation Dive System
Head to their website to find out more or get in touch.