A Scole-based offshore firm is aiming to take advantage of the rising oil price and increased production in South America by launching a new operation on the continent.

SafeSTS, which is owned by Future Marine Services, is launching Brazilian arm SafeSTS Ltda in response to growing demand for ship-to-ship transfers in support of the increase in exports from Brazil.

The bulk of oil production comes from offshore fields in the deep waters of the Campos and Santos basins off Brazil's south east coast, for which the huge Acu Port in Rio de Janeiro is well located.

Managing director Yvonne Mason said: 'Our clients have responded very positively to our plans for a Brazilian operation, with our knowledge and expertise being expected to play an important role in undertaking the increasing number of STS operations scheduled for 2018 and beyond.

'My marine colleagues captains Robert Gilchrist and Clive Hurford will be establishing all the quality assurance and HSE systems and procedures to ensure that all our STS operations are undertaken at the highest levels of safety and efficiency.'

SafeSTS announced 30% year-on-year growth in 2016/17 and the firm believes its activities in South America will make an important contribution to its 2017/18 results.