JFD Acquires National Hyperbaric Centre

Subsea operations and engineering company JFD has acquired the National Hyperbaric Centre (NHC) in Aberdeen, Scotland, the company announced today. JFD, which was formed by the merger of James Fisher Defence and Divex in 2014, acquired the training and testing facility for $6.8 million, the Scotsman reported.

All employees and material assets will be retained, JFD said in a press release. The NHC operates hyperbaric chambers for testing subsea equipment.

NHC’s training centers in Aberdeen and Singapore will join JFD’s training facility in Perth, Australia in the provision of subsea training courses for commercial and defense divers.

“NHC has a strong and established brand in hyperbaric testing, training and support which builds upon, and compliments, the range of services offered by JFD," said Mike Howarth, Managing Director of JFD.

“Since NHC’s establishment in 1987 we have built our reputation as a centre of excellence for hyperbaric support, testing and training," said David Smith, managing director of NHC. "I am confident that our commitment to improve the standard of subsea safety worldwide will be upheld."

Smith will step down as managing director but will work on the transition in a supporting role.