JDR Opens Offshore Engineering Technology Centre

JDR, a leading provider of technology connecting the global offshore energy industry, opened a new offshore engineering technology centre in Cambridge.

JDR Opens Offshore Engineering Technology Centre

Building out from JDR’s global HQ in North Cambridgeshire, the new centre will put JDR at the heart of Cambridge’s growing oil and gas innovation community as energy research seeks to exploit reserves in deeper and harsher offshore environments. The new centre was officially opened by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert on 28 July.

JDR’s products are used by major energy companies and offshore service providers around the world as part of infrastructures that manage subsea energy production. The new Cambridge R&D team – from experienced engineers to graduates – will evolve JDR’s specialist knowledge of subsea production umbilicals and subsea power cables to take on exploration challenges faced by oil, gas and offshore wind operators. They will focus on new technology development, from innovative product concepts to subsea materials development, developing collaborative relationships with other Cambridge-based technology companies and academia.

Andrew Norman, JDR’s chief executive officer commented: “Subsea energy production is one of the fastest growing sectors of the international oil and gas industry; JDR has a strong track record in this field. Our new Cambridge Technology Centre will strengthen our focus on advanced technology, for example products that enable production equipment to operate on the seabed, close to hydrocarbon sources.

“Our Cambridge Technology Centre is an important development for JDR’s international site and customer network. At the same time we want to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships in the Cambridge technology network, becoming part of the ‘Cambridge effect’ working with business and academia on new solutions for our industry.”

Julian Huppert MP added: “I am delighted that JDR have chosen Cambridge as the base for its new technology centre and I am honoured to be asked to officially open the centre. JDR is a leader in research in this highly specialised area and its work in Cambridge could result in exciting future developments in sustainable energy. This is encouraging for all of us as we work to find ways to lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and find greener alternatives.

“It is encouraging to hear that the company has plans to grow the centre over the next year, opening up job opportunities in the city. I wish it every success for the future.”

James Young, JDR’s engineering director added: “We plan to grow our Cambridge team over the next 12 months, expanding the group with experienced and graduate engineers. This is a great time to join the JDR; our international client base is pushing exploration into increasingly challenging subsea environments. With our industry track record, we are ideally positioned to take on these challenges and help secure long-term energy supply.

“Our Cambridge Technology Centre has been custom-designed to support the work of our research and development team. It is also equipped with technology to enable cross site and functional team working across national boundaries and time zones. Our Cambridge team will be innovating the vital connection technologies to make our future customers subsea energy projects both technically and commercially successful.”

Press release, July 29, 2014; Image: DR