A new centre that will develop subsea pipeline technologies for the world's oil and gas markets has been officially opened by First Minister Alex Salmond.

The Global Pipeline Welding Development Centre (GPWDC) is the culmination of a £10m investment by the major offshore energy contractor Subsea 7 in its operations base in Clydebank.

Scottish Enterprise provided £800k in support of the development.

The centre has already brought 30 new skilled jobs to the area as Subsea 7 creates innovative pipeline technologies to satisfy increasing market needs associated with oil and gas discoveries increasingly made in deeper water and tougher conditions.

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The technology developed in Scotland will be deployed by the subsea oil and gas industry in countries including the UK, Norway, USA and West Africa.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, Mr Salmond said: "This is a world-class centre developing some of the most advanced pipeline technologies anywhere in the industry, bringing new and skilled employment to Clydebank.

"It reinforces the fact that Scotland is leading the way when it comes to new ideas, new solutions and new developments that will help us meet the technical challenges associated with future oil and gas fields.

"This facility, brought to Scotland by a major offshore energy contractor, clearly demonstrates that Scotland is the place for business investment in innovative development, skills and expertise."

(JP/CD)