Leading renewable energy consultancy group, Natural Power, has further strengthened its services in North America by bringing Marine Operations Manager Leif Cooper to develop its offshore business in the United States whilst continuing to project manage the installation of several marine deployments specific to offshore wind energy projects. Cooper moves to the Natural Power's North American Headquarters located in Saratoga Springs NY and brings an extensive track record in the marine industry, where he has been responsible for vessel operations, marine legislation, standards, industry best practice and developing practical health and safety approaches to projects.

Employed since 2008 at SeaRoc, part of the Natural Power group, Cooper has acted as Marine Superintendent, involved in the planning, load-out and installation of wind farms offshore substation platforms and the management of pre-project dredging operations. He also brings extensive experience working with all onsite project personnel and interfacing with vessels, agents and government bodies. Leif’s experience in marine co-ordination, offshore client representation and marine superintendency has provided him with full awareness of all aspects of the marine construction phase in the growing sector. Prior to moving into Offshore Renewables, Cooper worked for six years as a Senior Master at UK Dredging/ABP where he was responsible for complete day-to-day vessel management, including budgets, manning, Health and Safety (ISM) and contract completion/client satisfaction.

Jim Adams, President of North American Operations at Natural Power commented: “We are thrilled by the addition of Leif to the growing North American Natural Power team. The highly-specialized and experienced skill set that Leif brings to our blossoming offshore renewable industry in North America is very unique and is much needed. Our offshore focussed clientele will be able to leverage many of the lessons-learned by our European counterparts which will undoubtedly reduce project risk as well as project development and construction costs.”

Eric Briar, Managing Director of SeaRoc said: “Leif is a dynamic and highly capable Marine Manager with experience of managing the most challenging and technical marine operations. We very much hope to share the knowledge from European windfarms in the North American market. Our group’s lifecycle approach in the consent, construction and operational phases of an offshore development incorporates teams that have expertise in foundations, topsides cables offering a range of disciplines – Leif will be well positioned to help clients with these aspects of offshore development. ”

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For more information about SeaRoc or their work in marine renewables visit www.searoc.com or email info@searoc.com