ENERMECH, mechanical engineering group, has secured a 12-month extension to a cranes and lifting contract with BP Exploration (Caspian Sea).

The contract will see the Aberdeen-based company continue to provide BP with cranes operation and maintenance personnel, as well as materials, equipment, engineering and mechanical handling services.

It builds on an existing five-year agreement, worth £33m, with the extra work generating a further £6.5m for EnerMech.

The work covers all seven BP-operated platforms in the Caspian Sea, and 16 offshore pedestal cranes operating in the Chirag, West Chirag, Central Azeri, West Azeri, East Azeri and deepwater Gunashli platforms. It also extends to the Shah Deniz gas development project.

EnerMech said it has trained in excess of 40 Azerbaijani nationals in crane operations, and employs more than 60 local personnel on the contract.

John Morrison, cranes and lifting director, John Morrison, said: "BP is a valued client and the award of this contract extension underlines our credentials in providing frontline cranes and lifting services on major international projects.

"Having a strong local infrastructure in place, allows us to provide a tailor-made integrated package of our seven business lines, which complement the core cranes and lifting services which BP require."