SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys, a leading coastal marine survey company, has opened a new base in Liverpool, extending its operations from its headquarters in Irvine, Scotland
In establishing a presence in Merseyside, this strategic decision will enable SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys to deliver its services to clients throughout England, building on its already strong reputation within Scotland and removing geographical perceptions that may have previously limited opportunities south of the border.
The new office isn’t the only recent change for the company. From 1st April 2026, Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys was renamed SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys, having been acquired by the SOCOTEC Group in late 2024.
“A natural foothold”
Graeme Thomson, Operations Director at SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys, explained the rationale behind the expansion: “Whilst we have completed projects in England over the years, historically there has always been a perception that we were located predominately for works across Scotland, including the Highlands & Islands.”
“Having a presence south of the border will enable us to explore a significant number of new opportunities, as potential clients may have previously perceived us as too far away to be considered for their projects.”
“Liverpool offers a natural foothold given the established marine industry there and our existing client relationships in the region. It provides the ideal base from which to grow our operations.”
Bringing Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys into SOCOTEC
The integration into SOCOTEC UK & Ireland brings substantial benefits to both organisations. SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys now has access to SOCOTEC’s extensive network of business development managers and established client base, while SOCOTEC can offer comprehensive marine survey disciplines that complement its existing testing, inspection and certification services.
Graeme added: “Joining SOCOTEC will be hugely beneficial – we now have a much wider network of resources to draw on, and it’s likely that SOCOTEC services clients with marine works requirements that we haven’t previously engaged with. The collaboration allows us to offer a complete turnkey package.”
Since being acquired, the company has worked alongside SOCOTEC’s Infrastructure and Environmental teams on client projects, undertaking both onshore and offshore geotechnical investigations. The teams are also currently collaborating on future bids and projects that combine marine vibrocores with SOCOTEC’s laboratory capabilities.
Graeme added, “It’s important that our clients understand the core services we provide, and the people who provide them, remain within the business. Integration within SOCOTEC will, if anything, enhance our services because we now have all the skills that SOCOTEC can offer, whist SOCOTEC will benefit from the marine survey disciplines and expertise we offer.
“There will be no difference when working with SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys”
Matthew Marriott, SOCOTEC UK & Ireland’s CEO, said: “Our acquisition of Aspect in July 2024 has opened up lots of new service offerings for us as a business. With a well established client base in the UK and Ireland, SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys opening up in Liverpool will also help extend the level of customer service Graeme and his team can provide.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the continued growth of SOCOTEC Land & Hydrographic Surveys.”
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