Founded by the Sparrows’ brothers Alf, George and Gordon in 1975, Sparrows Offshore Services began by providing specialised crane and lifting services to the emerging UK offshore oil and gas sector. From our roots in the North Sea, we quickly expanded our expertise in crane maintenance, installation, and operations.
Today, we are a global leader in engineering, inspection, operations, and maintenance services for offshore energy, renewables, and industrial markets. Operating worldwide, from the North Sea to the Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, Asia Pacific and West Africa - we help clients optimise efficiency while ensuring safety and reliability of critical equipment and personnel.
Our journey
1946
Three brothers George, Gordon and Alf Sparrows form the company ‘Sparrows’ in Bath, England – starting out mending old military vehicles and building bespoke cranes for construction projects.
1975
Frank Sumsion helped negotiate crane operator provision for BP’s North Sea rigs, leading to the creation of Sparrows Offshore Services.
1975
Jeff Adams, one of Sparrows’ first eight offshore crane operators worked on the Forties Alpha platform.
1980-1989
Business growth led to a move into larger premises at Scott House, Aberdeen.
1983
First training facility launched in Aberdeen, UK.
1985
British Electric Traction (BET) acquires Sparrows.
1990–1999
Expansion into Angola, Australia and UAE.
1996
Rentokil acquires BET in a £2.2 billion takeover, including Sparrows.
2000
Ken Scott, Managing Director (1986-2006) leads management buyout enabling further growth.
2000-2006
Expanded into the US; acquired Martec, American Aero/Titan, Dynamic Cranes, Bucyrus Erie IP.
2006
Installed Liebherr BOS 2600 pedestal crane at Training Centre, Tyrebagger.
2006–2016
- Expanded into Indonesia, Singapore, Qatar, Brazil, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago.
- Acquisitions included Marine & Mainland, Aberdeen Hydraulics, Baricon, Servtech.
2010
Doug Sedge, CEO (2009-2014) receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade).
2016–2022
Entered US onshore industrial sector; established JV partnerships in Saudi Arabia.
2017
Acquired wind energy specialist Alpha Offshore (Dec 2017).
2022
Altrad acquires Sparrows Group, strengthening industrial services leadership.
2024
Inaugurated Middle East’s first offshore pedestal crane manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi.
2025
Celebrating 50 years of operations.
1970s: Sparrows builds Its nest in Aberdeen
With the North Sea oil boom, Sparrows evolved from a crane hire company to a key player in offshore lifting. Starting in the early 1970s, Sparrows provided crane operators and set industry-leading safety and training standards. Supporting major projects as the Forties Alpha and Bravo offshore platforms, Sparrows had established a lasting presence in the North Sea and helped shape offshore lifting standards that still influence the industry today.
1980s: Spreading its wings in the North Sea
During the 1980s, Sparrows’ Offshore division flourished becoming a leading provider of crane expertise to major global oil and gas operators. Under Ken Scott’s leadership, the company pioneered comprehensive crane management services and expanded into larger Aberdeen premises, later named Scott House. Over these years, Sparrows focused on advancing offshore lifting techniques, adapting equipment for harsh North Sea conditions and reinforcing its strong safety culture.
1990s: Weathering the storm
Despite oil price volatility and industry downturns, Sparrows stayed resilient by innovating workforce efficiency - retraining staff for dual roles and pioneering mobile “flying squads” for offshore repairs. The training centre opened in Tyrebagger, Aberdeenshire in 1988, becoming an industry benchmark and setting industry standards. We also diversified into nuclear and hydro-electric projects, maintaining our reputation as a trusted offshore partner, as the company navigated its way through ownership changes and challenging market conditions.
2000s: The sky is the limit
A 2000 management buyout led by Ken Scott gave Sparrows the independence to accelerate growth internationally. Already dominant in the UK offshore crane market, the company expanded into West Africa, the US and beyond through key acquisitions and contracts. Services broadened from crane operations to include deck handling and lifting management. We combined technical innovation with a strong safety culture, cementing our position as a global leader in offshore lifting and maintenance.
2010s to Present: Sparrows joins the seagulls
In 2010, Sparrows’ name re-emerged again as the unified brand, after years as ECI, marking a decade of global expansion. That year, we won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for tripling exports. The company grew its international footprint, opened an engineering office in Mumbai and completed major North Sea projects.
A 2012 management buyout fuelled further growth and diversification into renewables, power stations and dockyards. In 2017, Sparrows secured its largest renewable contract and acquired wind specialist Alpha Offshore Service.
In 2022, the company was acquired by the Altrad Group and becomes Altrad Sparrows. We also expanded into onshore sectors - nuclear and chemical plants. Three years later in 2025, we are celebrating 50 years, and credit our success to a skilled workforce, technical excellence and strong client relationships.
Our Story: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
To mark half a century of innovation, growth and industry leadership, we’re proud to present the Sparrows’ 50th Anniversary celebratory book. This special publication captures our journey from small beginnings to becoming a global pioneer in offshore crane and lifting services.
Discover the milestones, people and wonderful stories that have shaped Sparrows over five decades - a testament to our amazing people, technical excellence, commitment to safety and long-lasting client relationships.