Aberdeen’s Asco unveils fresh £18.3m tech investment and new AI chief

The group, which operates from 70 locations worldwide and employs some 1,500 people, said it would be building on its existing technology to give clients greater real-time visibility and control over their supply chain operations. It plans to invest £18.3m over the next six years to advance its digital, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation capabilities.

A key area of investment will be the continued development of the firm’s integrated logistics management system, which incorporates its material, cargo, quayside and transport management systems. Further development of Asco’s waste management system will enhance environmental reporting, tracking waste type, composition, location and disposal route, bosses noted.

These digital tools complement the group’s round-the-clock operational control centres in the UK and Norway, which bring people, operational data and technology together to coordinate transport, shipping, marine and aviation activity.

As part of the investment programme, Steve Shearman has joined the group as chief AI officer, with responsibility for accelerating the use of AI across the business and identifying opportunities to create new technology-enabled services for clients. Shearman brings more than 15 years’ experience in technology product management and strategy, alongside more than 25 years in business management.

Asco chief executive Mike Pettigrew said: “This investment is about accelerating a technology strategy that is already delivering for our clients. We have strong digital platforms, established operational control capability and growing expertise in AI, automation and robotics.

“The next step is to connect those capabilities more closely and develop them further, so they support our growth. As we expand internationally and into sectors beyond traditional energy, our technology means we can bring proven visibility, control and performance to new clients quickly.”

Shearman added: “Asco already has a strong technology base and, importantly, deep operational knowledge of the environments in which that technology has to work. That gives us an excellent platform for the next stage of development.

“AI gives us the opportunity to improve existing processes, develop solutions faster and help our teams and clients make better use of operational data.”