Orkney Harbours officially launches ambitious vision for a sustainable future with Â£230 million Masterplan

Friday, 28th August 2020

Orkney Harbours today officially launched an ambitious £230 million infrastructure vision that would place Orkney at the forefront of the drive for a cleaner, greener future.

The Orkney Harbours Masterplan Phase 1 considers five main locations on the Orkney mainland. Proposals focus on harbour infrastructure enhancements over a 20-year period that will generate jobs, additional revenue and attract new business. It represents the first step in a review of Orkney Harbour Authority-owned infrastructure to create a base for innovation and secure the long-term future for the community.

The Masterplan embraces decarbonisation and transition away from fossil fuels. The infrastructure proposals have been designed to enable Orkney to manage this transition while continuing to generate social and economic benefit from ongoing oil and gas activity.

An Outline Business Case commissioned by Orkney Marine Services found that the proposals will have a transformational impact on Orkney’s economy and society, with as many as 115 new jobs created. In addition, there will be a substantial number of job opportunities during the construction phase.

Harbour users and key stakeholders were consulted from the outset to help gain an understanding the issues, constraints and opportunities associated with harbour infrastructure around Orkney through workshops and interviews. The range of stakeholders includes local communities, harbour users, potential funders and environmental bodies such as Scottish Natural Heritage.

Phase 1 focuses on the Scapa Deep Water Quay; Hatston Pier; Kirkwall Pier; Scapa Pier; and Stromness. Phase 2 will ultimately develop the Islands’ smaller harbours and piers across the archipelago. Orkney Islands Council, the Statutory Harbour Authority, has overall responsibility for the project.

Central to the project is the unique geographical advantage of Scapa Flow, the largest natural deep-water harbor in the northern hemisphere, as the potential setting for internationally significant marine logistics to serve the new and emerging sectors including low carbon fuel transition and offshore wind developments.

Scapa Deep Water Quay is seen as the optimal location for construction and Operations & Maintenance activities associated with offshore wind, as well as for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage and distribution hub. At the same time this infrastructure has the capability to accommodate semi-submersible platforms of all types, giving Orkney a unique UK competitive edge within the existing oil and gas market. The project team believes it could be delivered by 2025. Other proposals, such as Hatston and Kirkwall could take three or four years to deliver.

Orkney Islands Council leader James Stockan said: “Our vision is to build a truly sustainable business that is a core economic asset for Orkney, but also a first phase in enabling a scale of investment and logistical capability for the UK which will be of international significance.

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson clearly welcomed our ambition and Orkney’s potential during his recent visit to our islands. Describing as a ‘fantastic idea’ our vision for Orkney as a low-carbon, zero-emissions hub of innovation, with Scapa Flow at its heart.

“We believe the time is right to maximise the incredible natural assets and geography of Scapa Flow and Orkney to ensure a long-term sustainable future for our communities. We are open for business now and ready to work with potential investors and operators to develop the significant strategic and international opportunities Scapa Flow offers.

“The Scapa Deep Water Quay proposal has been included in the Islands Deal list of projects that has received funding commitment from the Scottish and UK governments, and we are continuing to ensure that the funding earmarked for this will be secured.”

Chairman of the council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee and Harbour Sub Committee Graham Sinclair said: “The Masterplan seeks to build on the decades of marine expertise and activity across Orkney and create new facilities which will consolidate Orkney’s position on the maritime map for the 21st century.

Harbour Master James Buck said: “Tackling decarbonisation is the strand that binds these proposals together providing infrastructure and knowledge for renewable energy developments around our waters will allow us to reach climate change targets. We will also look at the potential for net environmental gain through habitat reinstatement and enhancement.”

More information is available at: www.orkneyharboursmasterplan.com

RSS Sir David Attenborough prepares for action as Tees White Gill Thrusters are run for first time

Friday, 28th August 2020

Tees Components has cause to celebrate as the official commissioning of its Tees White Gill Thrusters for the illustrious new polar research vessel RSS Sir David Attenboroughtook place at the Cammell Laird Shipyard on Merseyside.

The business, based at North Skelton, near Saltburn, supplied four of its Tees White Gill Thrusters for the £200m polar research ship, which is owned by the Natural Environmental Research Council, and will be operated by British Antarctic Survey to carry out scientific research, cargo operations and berthing in both Antarctica and the Arctic.

An engineering team from Tees White Gill Thrusters undertook the commissioning of the thrusters at the shipyard, as the RSS Sir David Attenborough which is part of a £200m Government investment to maintain the UK’s position at the forefront of climate and ocean research, hit its latest milestone.

Tees White Gill Thrusters produces pump-jet thrusters that are fitted to a variety of ocean-going vessels, including arctic research and naval ships. The company has an international reputation for manufacturing and supplying the 360-degree thrusters together with steering and control units to international maritime standards.

The four 60-T3S-QR azimuth thrusters, which can be controlled independently, in any combination, or by the Dynamic Positioning System, will enable the new polar vessel to manoeuvre and position extremely accurately in challenging conditions, and will hold the vessel in a fixed position to enable it to effectively carry out operations even in Antarctica’s most extreme weather.

Sharon Lane, Managing Director of Tees Components, said: “We are particularly proud of the contribution that Tees White Gill Thrusters has made to the iconic RSS Sir David Attenborough.

“These thrusters are an example of great British design and expertise and reflects the engineering capabilities of Tees Components. This is another example of the skill and expertise that place the firm well and truly at the forefront of engineering excellence.”

Sophie Fielding, biological science lead for the RRS Sir David Attenborough, said: "The Southern Ocean is renowned for strong winds, with regions referred to as the roaring forties and furious fifties. The thrusters will allow us to work safely and for longer in this challenging environment, one of many reasons the RRS Sir David Attenborough will be one of the most advanced polar research vessels in the world."

Advanced insulation expands into new Gloucester unit following subsea demand

Friday, 28th August 2020

Steadily increasing demand for its subsea buoyancy products has prompted leading materials solution provider Advanced Insulation Ltd to invest over £8million pounds in a new facility in Gloucester. The company recently signed a ten-year lease for a new 65,000sq ft factory close to their UK head office.

The expansion into the new unit will enable the installation of state of the art machinery, which will enable Advanced Insulation to significantly increase capacity, implement efficiency improvements and will include bespoke test facilities.

The programme will see all buoyancy production transferred from its current production facility in Plymouth to the new facility. This will enable the Plymouth operation to focus on developing and growing the marine sector of the business.

“This is a significant financial investment for us (Advanced Insulation), but one that will enable us to increase capacity to meet market demand and will enhance our ability and reduce the time to develop and test new buoyancy products to meet the changing needs of the subsea market.” explains Managing Director Andrew Bennion “we have demanding growth objectives, and I’m delighted that we are able to proceed as planned despite the current climate we’re operating in, due to the pandemic”.

49m Blades for Solwaybank Wind Farm

Friday, 28th August 2020

Collete & Sons Ltd recently transported 49m blades to Solwaybank wind farm.

Consisting of 15 Vestas V100 wind turbines, each featuring 49 metre blades and 75 metre towers, our Team began the marine transport of each of the 120 main components and ancillary items from Glasgow's King George V Dock.

With space at a premium at the Glasgow dockside, due to this being the first of two wind farms our Teams are currently delivering from King George V and with the cargo of a third project already securely stored, the Port of Grangemouth and our portside location are also being employed for 24 of the tower sections destined for Solwaybank.

Utilising our four axle extendable flat trailers and our specialist Scheuerle clamp trailers, designed specifically for the transport of wind turbine towers, each component has begun the journey from the port to the construction site.

Alongside these specialist trailers, our Team also employed our three Nooteboom Super Wing Carriers to facilitate the movement of the 49m long blades. Quadruple extendable from 18.65m to 64.3m, these trailers offered the ideal solution for the blades, providing a 60-degree steering angle and significantly more suspension travel (lift/lower) for extra ground clearance and added platform stability. Added to this, the Vestas gyro-static frames were fitted to accommodate the tip frames of the Vestas blades with optimum manoeuvrability on the trailer to reduces stress on the blade during transport.

Beginning in July and working to a 9-week schedule, our Team will cover a total of 11,500 miles, safely delivering each of the cargoes to the awaiting 750 Tonne main installation crane on site.

Advanced Insulation Gloucester celebrates seven-year safety milestone

Tuesday, 25th August 2020

Advanced Insulation Gloucester marked a significant milestone this month, seven years without a Lost Time Injury.

As well as being the group head office, the Gloucester facility has a key role in producing products such as marine firefighting equipment and developing effective and innovative solutions for the oil & gas, renewables, subsea and marine sectors.

This milestone follows success in winning awards for our commitment and approach to health and safety from Make UK (formally EEF) within the UK on a regional and national level. Group QHSE Manager Dan Howell said, “This length of time without an injury of this nature is a remarkable achievement and highlights the positive health and safety culture within the business.”

This achievement is the result of the commitment from all our Gloucester employees and is a credit to their hard work.

ManuplasÂ® supply lightweight fendering for French Navy

Tuesday, 25th August 2020

Working with our customers in Etpo France, Charier GC, our marine team supplied twenty-four floating fenders which will be delivered to the French Navy for their newly built FREMM vessel.

With a size of 2.5m x 4m, we recommended our sprayed polyurethane fenders because of their low reaction force and high energy absorption; features which ensure maximum protection to their vessel in the event of impact to the fenders.

Alongside the fendering, we supplied all relevant hardware including the chains and metalwork. Our fendering provides:

Reduced fuel costs – our fenders are lighter than traditional fendering, resulting in cost savings and ensures the vessel reaches maximum speeds quicker
Quick and easy installation – fixed with chains to the hull
Peace of mind – confidence that the high energy absorption of the fendering will reduce the effect of any impact.

If you are an operator and need to update or replace your vessel fendering, talk to our marine team: http://ow.ly/e3Lh50AXrtN

Manor Renewable Energy signs first contract in Taiwan to power Yunlin Offshore Wind Far

Thursday, 20th August 2020

Manor Renewable Energy (MRE) has signed a contract with Yunneng Wind Power Co. Ltd for the provision of temporary power during the turbine construction phase of the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm. Yunneng Wind Power Co. Ltd is the project company of the offshore wind farm belonging to German developer wpd AG.

Located around 8 km off the west coast of Taiwan, the project will comprise of 80 Siemens Gamesa SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbines, giving a total capacity of 640 MW; when completed, Yunlin will be one of the biggest wind farms in Taiwan and provide clean electricity to more than 450,000 homes.

This is the first contract that MRE has signed in Taiwan, extending the company’s presence within the global offshore wind sector and building on their portfolio of temporary power provision off the European coastline.

MRE Director Toby Mead said: “We’re hugely excited about establishing an office in Taipei and working on what will hopefully be the first of many projects along the Taiwanese coast; we’ve worked extremely hard to provide the service that we do and that experience will serve us well on this and future APAC projects”.

ASAP Branch relocates to Hamble

Thursday, 20th August 2020

After two successful years of trading at our south coast Fareham branch, the time has come to relocate. We would like to thank Euro Car Parts and our fantastic customer base for the continued support during our time there. We have however outgrown the old branch and are now looking to offer an improved service at our new branch in Hamble. The new branch will boast an efficient Click-and-Collect service, alongside a new and improved local van delivery service for our Trade customers.

Tom Stott, ASAP Supplies Branch Supervisor said “It is exciting for us to welcome our valued customers back to our new Hamble branch. We have certainly missed you.”

ASAP Supplies Hamble Branch:
1-2 Mitchell Point, Ensign Way,
Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire
SO31 4RF, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 2380 178040
Email: hamble@asap-supplies.com

ManuplasÂ® supply fendering for the Finland Search and Rescue Authorities

Wednesday, 19th August 2020

With temperatures in Finland as low as -45°C in winter, Search and Rescue Authorities need fendering for their vessels that has been tested to withstand and be able to perform effectively in cold climates.

Which is why, when approached by the Finnish authorities, our Marine team recommended sprayed nine-meter fenders that have been tested and have a track record of continuing to work effectively in a range of climates.
Our sprayed fendering is bespoke, ensuring that our customer benefited from:

Inhouse CNC machine to manufacture the fender to the exact contours of the vessel
Colour matching to vessel
Lightweight design reduces fuel consumption and ensures the vessel reaches maximum speeds quickly
Easy to install

Since the initial order for six, we are delighted that a further six fenders have been commissioned via the Finland Search and Rescue Authorities.

Read more on our website, including the full list of benefits: http://ow.ly/g6vB50B2pZI

Thames operators buy British â€“ Confidence returns to Londonâ€™s maritime sector as Woods Silver Fleet and Thames Clippers back Britainâ€™s marine engineering sector

Tuesday, 18th August 2020

The SMS Group has benefitted from the support of Woods Silver Fleet – refitting the Silver Sturgeon in Lowestoft and fabricating their new Central London facility, Woods Quay, in Southampton.

The SMS Group has an enviable reputation as specialists in ship repair, marine engineering and major fabrication projects in the Commercial Marine, Defence, Cruise and Superyachts sectors.

Works on both the Silver Sturgeon and Woods Quay were safety undertaken during lockdown.
Both projects are now complete with Woods Quay recently hosting the launch of the newly rebranded Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

Thames Clippers vessels are built by The SMS Group’s sister Co. The Wight Shipyard in Cowes – another example of buying and building British.

Referencing the Woods Quay project Nicholas Warren, Commercial Director commented: “The support of Woods, and their faith in buying and building British during these challenging times really is fantastic.

“As is their new facility; it’s COVID-secure, offers customers the combined and truly unique proposition of tailored events spaces, boating and bespoke lunches.
“Geared up for both ‘family bubbles’ and more formal/corporate events, the facility is a genuine game changer for the Thames.

“We truly appreciate their custom and wish them then very best of luck with what remains of the Summer season”.

Nicholas concluded by saying: “Each and every business is enduring difficult times at the moment.
“That said the way that both Woods and Thames Clippers have ‘future-proofed’ their respective businesses by making the right investments and the right time gives both the industry and Londoners a sense of security.

“The Thames is becoming an increasingly special, first class, part of London and we’re both pleased and proud to part of that ever-expanding community.”

Tom Woods, the Managing Director of Woods Sliver Fleet, added: “We have made significant investments in the last 24 months.

“The annual Silver Sturgeon refit in Lowestoft and our new quay, Woods Quay, being just two of the aforementioned.

“Woods Quay is a wonderful space. We’re determined to offer the best, high-end, experience on the Thames whilst at the same time ensure economic pricing, and a ‘family bubble’ model focussing on food, fun, and boating.

“Our intent is also to offer our corporate customers a totally bespoke, customisable, entertaining and event space.

“It’s the best London has to offer, and its right on the waterfront”.

Month: August 2020

Advertise with Seaplant

Join us