November 11th, 2025 by Catriona Cardie
CRC Evans & Sarens PSG Join Forces to Deliver Market-Leading Floating Wind Assembly Solution
Two of the industry’s most experienced engineering and construction specialists, Sarens PSG and CRC Evans, have announced a strategic collaboration to deliver fully integrated heavy-lift, transport, welding, coating and final assembly solutions to the floating offshore wind sector.
The partnership brings together Sarens PSG’s expertise in heavy lift, transport and marshalling expertise, with CRC Evans’ globally recognised strength in welding and coating services for the final assembly of floating wind foundations.
Steve Clark, CEO of Sarens PSG said: “Floating offshore wind represents a great challenge in renewable energy, and delivering it successfully demands precision, innovation, and collaboration.
“By combining our capabilities with CRC Evans, we can now offer a seamless end-to-end delivery solution – from load-in and assembly, to final deployment – designed specifically for large-scale floating substructure projects such as GreenVolt.”
Ben MacKay, COO of CRC Evans, said: “CRC Evans is an industry leader in the delivery of specialty welding and coating services for final assembly of floating wind foundations. We bring 90-year legacy of proven expertise to the fabrication and assembly of fixed structures, floating units, and secondary steelwork. We’re proud to set the standard for precision, performance, and reliability across our evolving energy sectors’ most complex projects.
“And it’s our proven track-record in specialty welding and coating for the global energy sectors that gives us a distinct advantage in helping deliver Scotland’s next generation of floating wind projects. That’s why we’re partnering with Sarens PSG. Together, we’re uniting leadership expertise to drive even greater efficiency, safety, and scalability in the assembly phase.”
The combined offering provides the market with a comprehensive, integrated solution covering:
- Heavy lift and transport logistics for large floating substructure (FSS) components and mega blocks
- Onsite specialist alignment, welding and coating services
- Fully assembled FSS transport and deployment solutions
- Project delivery under full CDM principal contractor management
With major opportunities emerging through projects such as GreenVolt, the UK’s first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm, the Sarens PSG–CRC Evans partnership is designed to accelerate Scotland’s capability in floating substructure assembly, maximising local supply chain, streamlining contracting and reducing project risk.
The companies are announcing their collaboration ahead of the upcoming Floating Offshore Wind 2025 Conference (FOW25), organised by RenewableUK, taking place 12 – 13 November 2025 in Aberdeen.
October 24th, 2025 by Hayley Yule
(Aberdeen, UK) – CRC Evans, a global leader in welding and coating for energy and infrastructure, hosted an event last week at its Kintore facility to explore the challenges and solutions shaping the energy transition.
The event, “Challenges, Solutions and Lessons Learned in the Welding of Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Pipelines”, was co-hosted with United Infrastructure. It brought professionals across pipeline design, engineering, and operations for expert-led sessions on technical insights, project experiences, and innovations in hydrogen and carbon capture projects.
Paul McShane, President EMEAA at CRC Evans, opened the event by highlighting the company’s 90-year legacy of innovation and called for greater industry collaboration to accelerate progress toward net zero.
Expert presentations were delivered by CRC Evans’ Calum MacLean, Vinay Baburao, and Dr Rick Hill, alongside Jim Blanchard, Partnering and New Business Director at United Infrastructure. Topics included advanced welding techniques, material innovations, digital project delivery platforms, and insights from a live and upcoming Carbon Capture pipeline project.
The event attracted a broad mix of attendees from across the energy sector, including leading designers and major UK operators.
Craig Roberts, Sales Manager for CRC Evans’ Renewables and Infrastructure Division, said: “The path to net zero cannot be walked alone, which is why we brought our top minds in digital, standards, and design to show what’s possible when we collaborate, share ideas and find real solutions.
“This kind of collaboration is exactly what we need to drive the energy transition and build low-carbon infrastructure – the path to net zero depends on this level of collaboration and knowledge sharing.”
Presentations were followed by live demonstrations, giving attendees a first-hand look at CRC Evans’ cutting-edge technology and capabilities in action.
Jim Blanchard, United Infrastructure’s Partnering and New Business Director, said: “Being part of this event gave us a rare chance to showcase how collaboration and innovation are tackling the toughest pipeline challenges head-on. It’s about turning cutting-edge ideas into real infrastructure that powers the energy transition, and that’s what makes days like this truly exciting.”
As a global specialist in welding and coating, CRC Evans combines proven expertise, innovative technologies, and unmatched reach to deliver complex energy and infrastructure projects worldwide.
This event reinforces CRC Evans’ commitment to supporting the energy transition by delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and sustainable pipeline solutions.
September 3rd, 2025 by Catriona Cardie
- CRC Evans, the global leader in welding and coating services for the energy and infrastructure sectors, has appointed Mauro Piasere as Chief Executive Officer.
- Headquartered in Edinburgh with an enviable international footprint, the company is entering a new phase of strategic, long-term growth under Piasere’s leadership.
- The industry heavyweight brings over 30 years of leadership experience and his appointment will further accelerate the company’s growth across conventional oil and gas markets whilst bringing further expansion across new energy and critical infrastructure sectors.
- Mauro Piasere, newly appointed CRC Evans CEO, said: “I’m honoured to step into this role at such a crucial time. With the reliability of CRC Evans technologies and the capabilities to mobilise where projects need to be executed, we have a huge opportunity to drive long-term sustainable growth and strengthen our role in enabling the global energy transition.”
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Edinburgh headquartered CRC Evans, the leading global welding and coating specialist across international energy and infrastructure projects, has announced the appointment of Mauro Piasere as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Bringing over 30 years of executive leadership experience in global energy markets, the industry heavyweight joins CRC Evans to spearhead the company’s bold global growth ambitions.
A key priority will be to strengthen and accelerate CRC Evans’ role in delivering new energy and major infrastructure projects, whilst further consolidating its global capability to lead complex, large-scale developments. Furthermore, Mauro’s appointment brings added momentum to the ongoing development and expansion of CRC Evans’ portfolio beyond conventional energy markets, into high-growth sectors such as nuclear, renewables (hydrogen, carbon capture, offshore wind) and critical infrastructure.
The company’s legacy as a proven leader in complex and challenging energy and infrastructure projects positions it as a trusted partner for new emerging markets, where deep technical expertise and executional excellence are essential.
Mauro joins CRC Evans from Saipem SpA, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of Robotic and Industrialized Solutions, the most innovative business line of Saipem, established to lead the company’s expansion into the energy transition. As well as this, Mauro also served as Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation setting the roadmap for Digital Transformation across Saipem.
The newly appointed CEO of CRC Evans, Mauro Piasere, said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of CEO at such a key and crucial moment for the energy industry. This is an exciting time to join CRC Evans, as it continues its strong growth trajectory across the globe and expands into new energy and critical infrastructure markets.
“I believe that by building on its core strengths and technical excellence, the company is poised to unlock even more opportunities, accelerate its ambitions, and become an enabler of future energy infrastructure as the world balances our needs between conventional and new sustainable energy.
“I look forward to working with our exceptional teams and to build over the safety and integrity values of the company’s innovative solutions and digital services, which will expand our global presence and deliver sustainable value for all our clients.”
Luis Araujo, Chair of the Board at CRC Evans, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mauro Piasere to CRC Evans. He brings a wealth of experience in the energy sector, a strong track record of leadership, and a clear vision that will be instrumental in driving our strategic growth and innovation.”
CRC Evans has built an exceptional legacy of performance, innovation, and adaptability in a constantly evolving energy and infrastructure market. With long-term customer relationships, an outstanding safety record, and world-leading repair rates, the company demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence.
CRC Evans is backed by Bluewater, the specialist energy-focused international private equity firm.
Martin Somerville, partner, said: “Mauro brings deep sector expertise and a clear understanding of what private equity needs. He has a strong track record in scaling businesses and has been brought in to lead CRC Evans through its next phase of growth.”
May 14th, 2025 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans (CRCE), a leader in welding, welding technology, and coating services, has won a major contract renewal to provide project management and pipeline welding services for a transformational water pipeline project in Morocco.
State-owned OCP Group is constructing a 219-km water pipeline to transport desalinated water from its facilities in Jorf Lasfar on the Atlantic coast to its operations in Khouribga as part of an initiative to combat water shortage in Morocco.
The win is the second on the project for UK-headquartered CRCE and was awarded following successful completion of work on the first phase of the project in 2024 when it worked with local contractors to complete 4,000 welds on a 72km stretch of 52” diameter pipe.
In the new phase, scheduled to begin in May, the company will project manage welding on 150km of steel water pipeline. Consisting of 56” and 40” diameter pipes, with around 12,000 welds, the full spread of CRCE equipment will include its internal welding machine and P-625 dual torch external welding equipment. CRCE will also provide manual tie-in welding solutions along with specialist welding technicians to the project.
“We’re very pleased to have secured a new contract for this project on the back of work carried out to date, It confirms our client’s confidence to continue to work with them on such a fantastic project which will bring huge benefits to the local population.
“Shortage of water is a major problem in Morocco and this pipeline will provide desalinated water for fertilizer production, agriculture and industrial community projects, freeing up pressure on local water resources,” said Henk DeGraaf, Onshore Director, CRC Evans.
Steven Mackay, Director of Renewables & Infrastructure, CRC Evans concluded by saying “Our world leading expertise in coatings and welding, both in terms of our experienced personnel and ground-breaking technology such as our internal welding equipment, with its higher rate of productivity, are crucial in the current project and future water projects to come.”
Known for its global and industry-leading expertise in coating and welding services across many sectors including oil and gas, CRCE continues to target new markets and recently established a new division specialising in renewables and infrastructure.
It includes provision of specialist welding and coating services for the utilities sector, including water and domestic gas pipelines. This ideally positions CRCE to leverage its expertise to support projects being delivered under Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP 8), the latest round of regulatory framework introduced to improve delivery of water and wastewater facilities across the UK. Running from now until 2030, it will generate multi-billion pounds in business opportunities for companies operating in this sector.
CRC Evans will be exhibiting at Utility Week Live on May 20-21 in Birmingham, UK. Visit us in Hall 17, Stand J64
April 21st, 2025 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans (CRCE), a leader in welding, welding technology, and coating services, is set to create 10 new apprenticeship positions in the Highlands as its Renewables & Infrastructure Business Stream continues to grow.
“Investing in our apprenticeship programme is crucial for the Renewables & Infrastructure Business Stream to ensure that we have the relevant skills and expertise to service our clients in the nuclear, defence and energy sectors,” said Steven Mackay – Managing Director, Renewables & Infrastructure.
Based at the organisation’s Invergordon facility, the welding and fabrication Modern Apprenticeships will provide hands on learning for those looking to kickstart their career in the energy and renewables sector. The scheme is being run in collaboration with Skills Development Scotland.
Students and high school leavers are being encouraged to apply for the positions, which close for application on Friday, May 30.
“We are pleased to be creating new roles for people at the earliest stage of their careers and are committed to investing in the next generation of talent and developing tomorrow’s workforce,” said Martin Wunder – Welding Apprentice Trainer at CRC Evans.
“At CRC Evans we want to produce exceptional welders who can have long and interesting careers, travel the world and rewarding achievements, while being the best they can be at their job. We offer a variety of different welding processes to learn, on different materials, which will take up the majority of the first two years of the apprenticeship programme. We also aim to complete the necessary welding qualifications via the college route, as well as gaining many welding codings.
“As the Welding Apprentice Trainer, my job is to instruct young apprentices and give them a good start into adult life with a career choice they will never regret.”
Upon completion of the first year at college, candidates will transition to a full-time framework of on-site learning created by CRC Evans. This will allow candidates to integrate more thoroughly into the business, ensuring they receive dedicated training and mentoring relevant to the business, whilst also completing required college assessments through either day release or in-company assessment methods.
Ethan McGoran, a first-year apprentice at CRC Evans, said: “I have enjoyed learning new skills to give myself a good chance at a successful career. Doing an apprenticeship with other people my age has been good and allowed me to meet new friends and work alongside them.
“Doing college work alongside being in the workshop has allowed me to progress my knowledge, understanding and skills of the industry. Eight hours of welding in the training school per day, with a designated trainer, is very helpful for us all.”
Brooke Lowe, a third-year apprentice moving into his final year this summer, added: “I’m looking forward to getting out on big projects to vastly improve my welding skills. I am also looking forward to having the opportunity advance my career, meet new people and enjoy the financial rewards that come with it.
“Working with new welders will really help me to gain new skills and experience, to help make me the best welder I can be. I’m extremely excited to travel around the world and feel fortunate to do this with work.”
CRC Evans has 10 global bases, including three in the United States, one in Canada and another in Brazil.
To find out more about the 2025 Apprenticeship Programme visit Careers – CRC Evans
March 27th, 2025 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans (CRCE), a leader in welding, welding technology, and coating services, has appointed Steven Mackay as Managing Director of Renewables & Infrastructure EMEAA.
Steven arrives at CRC Evans from Langfield, where he successfully served as Managing Director. His career spans roles including Commercial Manager, Business Development Manager, and Facilities Director for Langfield’s Dunfermline and Salford facilities. With his extensive commercial expertise in the engineering and fabrication sectors, Steven is poised to make a significant impact at CRC Evans.
Paul McShane, President EMEAA at CRC Evans, emphasised the importance of this appointment: “As CRCE continues on its Energy Transition journey, Steven’s leadership will be crucial in enhancing our welding and coating capabilities across the renewable sector. This includes but is not limited to, carbon capture, hydrogen, nuclear, and offshore wind. Steven will also oversee our established presence in the infrastructure and utilities industries. Our strategic expansion into clean energy markets represents a pivotal step in advancing our goals and strengthening our position within the wider renewables sector.”
Steven Mackay is pleased to take on this new role, stating, “I am thrilled to join CRC Evans at such a dynamic time for the company. I am eager to collaborate with my new colleagues to build a formidable Renewables team that will deliver our expertise and experience to customers in the clean energy markets.”
January 27th, 2025 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans, a leader in welding, technology, and coating services, has launched a new digital platform that revolutionises data management for welding, coating, and inspection for customers in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
The newly developed platform incorporates cutting-edge digital technologies, providing expedited access to production data, improved analytical capabilities, and precise data tagging. This reduces downtime and minimizes the number of inspection personnel required to extract, transform, and analyse data. Additionally, the platform serves as a data repository of as-built documentation for customer infrastructure, with data curated and ready to use for compliance needs.
The DATA360 platform enables real-time monitoring of production activities during welding, coating, and inspection. Platform utilises long-range Wi-Fi communication, which allows for the wireless downloading of logs from all stations and evaluates the status of joints based on the parameters established during the qualification process.
Shailesh Radhakrishnan (VP, Engineering & Technology) of CRC Evans Said: “By staying ahead of technology trends and market shifts, we ensure that our offerings remain competitive and deliver innovation and operational efficiency. With 90 years of expertise, we remain committed to adapting and diversifying to ensure long-term value and sustainable growth.”
Vinay Baburao (Director, Digital Transformation) of CRC Evans said: “We are committed to developing advanced digital products and solutions like DATA360 to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Leveraging DATA360 allows users to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and boost overall business performance.”
CRC Evans’ DATA360 provides a solution to tag, collect, transform, visualise, and generate customized reports for the production data generated from each of CRC Evans’ products in a project within a few minutes, compared to the traditional methods, which can take hours each day.
DATA360 uses tested and proven technologies to tag every joint with a unique ID and GPS location where possible to provide customers with maximum insights into their infrastructure. An AI-powered clustering algorithm further defines joint locations from GPS data.
The tagging mechanisms enhance overall operations, data management, and accuracy. They will also aid in visualizing data across multiple hierarchies, including per weld, per pass, per station, and zone.
DATA360 collects all the critical parameters for welding, coating, and inspection, including arc voltage, current, and heat input, alongside coating metrics and inspection results
Through the DATA360 cloud, customers can access tailored production data anytime, anywhere, without additional time for data processing.
Watch an introduction to our latest digital platform DATA360
December 13th, 2024 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans, a leader in pipeline welding and field coating services, is pleased to introduce its newly established Fabrication Department, headquartered at its facility in Katy, Texas. This dedicated division brings greater focus and structure to services that have long been part of CRC Evans’ expertise. While previously embedded within pipeline support operations, this new department formalizes and markets these capabilities as a distinct offering, enabling CRC Evans to better serve traditional energy markets and explore emerging opportunities in renewables, hydrogen, and nuclear projects.
The Katy facility serves as a center of excellence for CRC Evans’ fabrication services, offering advanced welding techniques, precision fabrication processes, custom coatings and rigorous quality assurance. Strategically located in the heart of Texas’ energy corridor, the facility supports high specification truckable projects across the energy sector, with a strong emphasis on reliability and innovation. While the Katy facility is a key hub, CRC Evans is not limited to operations at this location. Its fabrication capabilities are adaptable, allowing work to be executed at client yards or partner facilities, depending on project needs. This flexibility ensures that CRC Evans can meet client requirements wherever they arise, further strengthening its position as a trusted provider across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
With decades of experience in automation and fabrication, CRC Evans is recognized for its ability to deliver critical, high-specification welds at scale. The company’s bug and band welding systems exemplify its commitment to quality and productivity, enabling it to tackle both high-volume and complex / high-specification projects. Additionally, CRC Evans is advancing in digitalizing project data, providing clients with improved transparency, accuracy, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. By integrating fabrication, automation, and digital solutions, the company ensures high-quality, high-productivity results tailored to clients’ standards.
Tony Pontefract, president of CRC Evans’ Americas Offshore business, said: “As a hub of innovation and excellence, our Katy facility has been established to provide a dedicated and exceptional service to both offshore and fabrication projects across the Americas.
“We’re committed to delivering large-volume, high-specification projects that meet the demands of the energy sector, both traditional and emerging markets, including nuclear, wind and larger infrastructure projects. We recognize that we may be working in a changing and dynamic industry. We’re prepared to meet any requirements our customers may have.”
The momentum behind marketing CRC Evans’ fabrication capabilities has already resulted in significant activity throughout 2024. Most recently, the company was awarded a contract for a new oil and gas development in the Gulf of Mexico, with fabrication work set to begin at the Katy facility in 2025 ahead of offshore installation.
Sandeep Kumar, vice president of fabrication and special projects, added: “Our capabilities at the Katy facility are comprehensive, allowing us to serve as both a service provider and a partner to our clients. While our core work remains focused on pipeline infrastructure, we continually look for ways to expand our offerings and address future demands, including those in renewable markets. Our aim is to collaborate with clients to meet challenges and deliver tailored solutions that drive project success.”
CRC Evans remains committed to supporting the energy and broader infrastructure sectors, leveraging its diversification efforts to deliver new service offerings through its dedicated fabrication division. Operating from its facilities in Katy, Texas, the company also undertakes on-site fabrication projects at client-provided locations, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the industry.
November 12th, 2024 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans, a leader in welding, welding technology, and coating services, has announced the formal signing of a contract with Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC) to deliver critical welding services for the Ruya Batch 1 Project (EPCI09), part of the expansion of the Al-Shaheen field, Qatar’s largest oil field.
The formal signing ceremony was held at the prestigious China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on 6th November. The contract was signed by Paul McShane, EMEAA President of CRC Evans and Wang Zhangling, Chairman of COOEC, and witnessed by Mr. Zhou Xinhuai, President of CNOOC, COOEC’s parent company and Frederic Castrec, CEO of CRC Evans.
The North Field East (NFE) Project in Qatar, also known as the Ras Laffan LNG Expansion Project or “Ruya” Project, is a massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) expansion initiative aimed at boosting Qatar’s LNG production capacity.
This new contract underscores CRC Evans’ commitment to driving innovation in welding and delivering enhanced value to COOEC. CRC Evans’s technical and operational expertise will support COOEC in meeting the stringent demands of the Ruya development, delivering superior quality welding solutions essential for this complex field development. CRC Evans will deploy its innovative welding technology and proven methodologies, which are specifically tailored to withstand the challenging conditions and high standards required to support the offshore energy sector.
Frederic Castrec, Paul McShane, Tom Feteris, Offshore Director and Jack Tan, Country Manager of CRC Evans, attended the CIIE and met with delegates from COOEC.
“We are honoured to secure this significant contract with COOEC for the Ruya Project, which is crucial to Qatar’s LNG expansion,” said Frederic Castrec, CEO of CRC Evans Ltd. “This collaboration utilises our specialised expertise in welding services, allowing us to contribute to the development of Qatar’s largest offshore field, Al-Shaheen, with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and precision. We look forward to working closely with COOEC to ensure excellence on this project and to further our shared commitment to advancing the offshore energy sector.”
October 21st, 2024 by Hayley Yule
CRC Evans, a leading provider of welding, technology and coating services, has successfully completed its work scope to deliver a range of welding services to support First E&P’s Alpha Project located offshore Nigeria.
A greenfield development, Project Alpha entails development of the Anyala and Madu fields which lie 45km off the Niger Delta, with production being tied back to a floating production, storage and offloading facility (FPSO).
Westfield Energy Resources contracted CRC Evans to provide full welding services to its pipelay barge, the S-lay vessel DLB Kenenna. In all, the company successfully completed more than 3,800 welds on two 20.8km and one 5.5 km pipelines. The work was carried out in association with its regional partner, Ripen Marine Contractors.
In carrying out the work, CRC Evans utilised its flagship Dual Torch P-625 external welding equipment. Specifically designed for large, demanding projects or where high production is required, the dual-torch external welding system can double the production capacity compared with a single torch system. An onboard computer ensures precise control of welding parameters enabling storage of a real-time log of essential weld data for future processing.
The full work scope of the multiple-million contract also included project management and engineering, associated services and requirements.
An integral element of completing the work was training a local Nigerian crew at the company’s onshore facility in Nigeria, prior to vessel deployment. The company set up a training facility, which saw 20 welders and two bevel operators trained over the course of the month, to use welding equipment and adhere to company and project safety standards.
“With support from Ripen, we established the training facility and had it up and running in less than a week,” said Tom Feteris, Offshore Director, Zeewolde at CRC Evans. “This demonstrates our commitment and capability to quickly and efficiently set up a training facility in whichever country we work, to support the skills development of the local workforce.
“Aside from the successful completion of the work scope, this part of the story is just as important. We are absolutely committed to meeting local requirements and helping countries grow by expanding the knowledge base of local talent.
“We are proud of our contribution to this project and the opportunities we had to support and enhance the skills of the local workforce.”
Although CRC Evans has been working on projects in Nigeria for more than 20 years, the Alpha Project was the first time it had worked with Westfield Energy Resources. The performance on the project was so successful that the company has now awarded a new, larger contract to carry out welding services on a project in India later this year.
“We’re very pleased that we could support Westfield’s maiden project in Nigeria and that their satisfaction with the work that was completed resulted in them putting their faith in us to carry out a bigger project on their behalf,” said Mr Feteris.