Aberdeen-based oil and engineering giant Wood plc on Thursday reported first-half revenue growth across its business and said it anticipates delivering first half revenue of between $5.1 billion and $5.2 billion.

Wood employs 55,000 people and operates in more than 60 countries.

In a trading update for the six months to June 30, 2018, Wood said: “In the first half, continued trading momentum has resulted in higher activity delivering revenue growth across our business.

“We anticipate delivering first half revenue of c$5.1bn – c$5.2bn and EBITA in the range of c$250-c$260m.

“Net debt at the end of June is anticipated to be approximately $1.7bn which reflects improved operational cash generation.

“We remain confident of delivering a stronger second half due to our typical second half bias and the phasing of cost synergies, projects and market recovery.

“Our full year outlook is unchanged.

“We are confident of delivering FY 2018 EBITA in line with guidance and market expectations.”

Wood CEO Robin Watson said: “In the first half we have seen continued momentum in trading, cost and revenue synergy delivery.

“Our full year outlook is unchanged.

“We are continuing to see early signs of recovery in our core oil & gas market and good contract awards in broader industrial sectors.

“We remain on track to deliver growth in 2018.”