Hallin Marine Subsea International Ltd, a Superior Energy Services company, is focussing on Australia as it continues its growth plans.

The experienced Simon Hird has been recruited by Hallin as its first country manager for Australia and leads a new office that has been opened in Perth to support operations and marketing in the country.

Hallin's wholly owned subsidiary, Hallin Marine Australia Pty Ltd, has won its first major contract on the Gorgon project offshore Australia. The three month long contract sees Hallin's SOV vessel, the DP2 classed Sanko Angel, moving to the region.

The focus on the region is being supported with a range of assets as Hallin sends new ROVs and diving systems to be based in Australia and expects to have NOPSA Safety Case approval for its new, flagship vessel, the SOV Windermere, by the end of 2010, which will allow it to operate in Australian waters.

Simon Hird joins Hallin from the joint venture company Clough Helix, where he was business development manager and believes the timing is ripe for Hallin's push in Australia from its Singapore base.

Mr Hird said: 'Hallin plans have been thoroughly thought through and are backed with the right assets for this region and experienced operational and management staff.

"Given Hallin's success around the globe and its abilities to understand and adapt to regional sensitivities we expect to build on our good start here in Australia."

Rik Zwinkels, the managing director of Hallin's East Division, said: "We are delighted that someone of Simon's experience and talent has joined us to spearhead our drive into Australia."

Tags: Hallin Marine