On Scotland’s northeast coast, the St Fergus Gas Terminal provides access to gas from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and Norway, which it feeds into the gas National Transmission System (NTS), regularly supplying between 25% and 50% of the country’s natural gas.
Behind the scenes, IES Utilities is helping ensure this site continues to operate safely and reliably for decades to come.
Our teams are delivering specialist coating works to safeguard critical pipework and structures against corrosion. Working under strict COMAH and HSE standards, every task is carried out with safety, precision, and environmental care in mind.
From full PPE and air-fed helmets to sealed scaffolded habitats that prevent contamination, our 25-strong specialist workforce combines technical expertise with a safety-first culture to protect both people and infrastructure.
Here’s a closer look at how IES delivers safety and quality, every step of the way.
Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to gas infrastructure. Left unchecked, it can compromise both safety and performance. By carefully blasting away old coatings and applying advanced protective finishes, our work is extending the lifespan of vital equipment, reducing risk, and helping ensure uninterrupted supply for the UK.
To do this, we use cutting-edge techniques. Abrasive blasting with garnet removes every trace of rust and old paint, while sealed scaffolded habitats prevent contamination and protect both the environment and the workforce. State-of-the-art airless spray systems apply durable coatings that can withstand Scotland’s notoriously harsh weather.
At St Fergus, IES has a dedicated team of 25 trained specialists, supported by a Project Manager, Construction Manager, and expert safety and planning staff.
From scaffolders and blasters to permit holders and safety officers, everyone is part of a tightly coordinated operation where precision and discipline are essential. Workers undergo rigorous training in confined spaces, working at height, and IES’s own in-house safety programmes to ensure that every task is carried out without compromise.
Before setting foot on site, every member of the IES team must complete a COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) induction – a critical requirement for working in such a high-hazard environment. Once inducted, workers wear a full suite of personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
This equipment isn’t just precautionary; it’s lifesaving in an environment where flammable gas and high-pressure systems are part of everyday operations.
Some tasks come with additional risks that require specialist precautions.
Every member of the team is Confined Spaces and Working at Height trained, ensuring that no task is undertaken without the skills and knowledge to do it safely.
In northeast Scotland, the weather isn’t just a talking point, it creates challenges every day. Paint application is highly sensitive to temperature, so this needs to be managed to meet the right paint specifications for the job. In the cold, it has to be warmed up for the team to be able to apply it properly, while in the rare Scottish heat, it can become too thin and runny, so more coats need to be applied.
Delivering high-quality protective coatings requires the right tools and techniques:
Before a single coat is applied, surfaces are grit-blasted with garnet, removing all traces of old paint and rust. An independent inspector then checks the steel surface to ensure it meets the exact profile required for the paint to properly adhere. Only when this inspection is passed, can painting begin.
For IES, safety extends beyond people to the wider environment. All blasting and painting takes place inside sealed scaffolded habitats, ensuring that no dust, debris, or fumes escape into the surrounding area.
The blasting medium, garnet, is a natural mineral. However, once mixed with old paint and coatings, it becomes classified as hazardous waste. IES ensures that all used material is safely collected and disposed of according to strict environmental regulations.
This approach means energy infrastructure can be maintained without compromising the natural landscape around St Fergus.
While the world moves towards low-carbon alternatives, natural gas continues to play a vital role in the UK’s energy security — and St Fergus is set to remain central to that effort. With the potential to evolve into a hub for carbon capture, hydrogen transport, or other future technologies, the site is as much about tomorrow as it is about today.
IES’s Head of Gas, with more than 40 years’ experience in the sector, believes the future is bright: “I believe natural gas will be as important in 20 years as it is today. With projects like this, we’re not just maintaining St Fergus — we’re preparing it to play a key role in the UK’s low-carbon transition.”
At St Fergus, IES isn’t just repainting pipes — it’s helping to safeguard the UK’s energy future. Through expertise, innovation, and an unwavering focus on safety, the IES team is ensuring that this facility remains ready to power the nation for decades to come.
To talk to our project management team call 0161 791 1496
or email info@iesutilities.co.uk