Glad to be raising awareness through social media

Wednesday, 24th February 2021

Some industries are essential and commonplace yet despite existing in plain sight there is little or no perception of them among the wider world. The Lifting Sector is a good example. Fortunately its key stakeholders have resolved to change this. They are now shouting out from the rooftops, or rather from their laptops on social media, about their pride in their industry and how vital something as ubiquitous as lifting is to everyday lives.

“Lifting is a key role in the supply chains of many industries. Wherever goods, products, materials or people are moved, lifting equipment is involved,” points out Ross Moloney, CEO of leading industry trade association, LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association). “With lifting there is an inherent on-going battle between mankind and gravity. As we reach higher and further, the challenges become ever greater, involving more complexity and danger. By highlighting the importance of high standards, safe practices and technological innovation we can showcase to end users how important safe lifting is in their own sectors.”

Moloney recalls how a chat about this issue one day in a hotel lobby with two other Lifting Industry stakeholders – LHI magazine’s Guy Harris and Mark Bridger of lifting sector media company Bridger Howes – sparked the idea behind a day dedicated to celebrating the lifting and working at height sector, particularly on social media. And so, Global Lifting Awareness Day – or GLAD, as it is appropriately known – was born.

Outlining the objectives behind GLAD, Moloney says: “The Lifting Industry wants to attract the next generation of recruits into this incredible sector. But it is also crucial that we remind end users of how important it is to use high quality suppliers who utilise years of experience and high-quality training, and who routinely develop innovative and thoughtful solutions. Through GLAD we can highlight to policymakers that we need them to recognise and support the role we play in improving health and safety across numerous key industries. Finally, GLAD is a great chance for us all to celebrate the incredible role our industry has performed and continues to play.”

The inaugural annual Global Lifting Awareness Day took place on 9th July 2020. “GLAD was conceived before the pandemic, but the Covid crisis gave the day an extra impetus to boost the sector and it was a tremendous success,” says Moloney. People took to social media in their droves to post messages proclaiming what makes them glad to be in the industry. Across the platforms such as of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram there were almost 1000 individual and original mentions of #GLAD2020. Not bad for a first go.

There are even greater expectations for this year’s GLAD. Taking place on 8th July 2021, companies and individuals will again be able to highlight what they do and the importance of skills, competence and innovation. With vaccine rollouts well under way, there’s sure to be a mood of optimism among the messages.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in the Lifting Industry to support GLAD2021,” says Moloney. “We hope that on 8th July, social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook will be filled with content from across the sector. We encourage trade journals to also consider supporting the effort in their publication schedules. There are many pieces of content that can be used or amended, such as the ‘LEEA Think Lifting’ films, which can be downloaded at leeaint.com. But we hope to see new and original posts too, which might include written pieces, films, podcasts or interviews –anything that spreads the message.”

Moloney concludes: “This isn’t about any single company or organisation – it is an industry day. Posting messages using the GLAD logo – which is also available to download at leeaint.com – together with hash-tagging GLAD2021 will help to raise our collective voices and drive greater awareness of our vital sector.”

ASAP Supplies Introduces Arctic Steel

Tuesday, 23rd February 2021

ASAP Supplies have now introduced Dixon-Arctic Steel to their ever-growing range. The new Arctic steel range includes strainers, thru-hull fittings, and spares.

Dixon is a premier manufacturer and supplier of marine fluid transfer products for a wide range of applications. They have a specialised range of Marine products focusing on unique quality, performance, longevity, and operational efficiency.
Benefits include:

The strainers have a fully cast one piece body eliminating weakness inherited at welded joints.
Duplex 2205 is weight saving compared to materials such as bronze.
Increased corrosion resistance
Bonding point for anodes on the strainer body
All bodies and lids are electro polished providing even greater resistance to corrosion.
They feature swing down bolts, so no tools are required for easy access to the basket and maintenance, the nuts do not need to be removed preventing them being lost.
Boats built in steel or aluminium should use Duplex 2205 for consistency in metals.

Arctic steel products exceed the standards required for approval under survey as part of engine room plumbing by BV, DNV, Lloyds and ABS.

ASAP Supplies: Your Trusted Partner for Marine Equipment and Spares

Established in 1989, ASAP Supplies has grown to become one of the UK’s leading stockists of marine equipment and spare parts. Based in Beccles, Suffolk, with a branch in Fareham, Hampshire, the company specializes in providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions for the leisure, trade, and commercial marine sectors. With over three decades of experience, ASAP Supplies is renowned for its extensive product range, technical expertise, and award-winning customer service

Comprehensive Product Range

ASAP Supplies offers an extensive catalogue of over 14,000 products, catering to a wide array of marine applications. Their inventory includes components for engine systems, electrical equipment, plumbing, steering, and deck hardware. The company collaborates with over 90 trusted brands such as Roca, Hella, Jabsco, Dometic, Maestrini, Osculati, Victron, Parker Racor, and Quick, ensuring customers have access to high-quality and reliable products.

ASAP Supplies is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Their knowledgeable technical support team assists customers in selecting the right products for their specific needs. The company offers same-day dispatch for stock items ordered by 3:30 pm (Monday to Friday) and provides free UK and Ireland delivery on qualifying orders over £120 (including VAT). Additionally, customers can utilize the click-and-collect service available at both the Beccles and Hamble branches.

Recognition and Awards

ASAP Supplies’ dedication to customer satisfaction has been recognized through various awards. In 2019, the company won the ‘Customer Focus Award – SME’ at the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards, highlighting their commitment to placing customers at the heart of their business strategy. This accolade reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to provide outstanding service and support to their clientele.

Strategic Growth and Partnerships

In May 2017, ASAP Supplies was acquired by Arleigh International Ltd, a Euro Car Parts company. This acquisition has strengthened ASAP Supplies’ position in the marine industry, allowing them to expand their product offerings and enhance their service capabilities. The integration with Arleigh International has further cemented their status as a market-leading distributor of products to the UK caravan, leisure, and marine markets.

Commitment to Excellence

ASAP Supplies’ mission is to provide customers with high-quality products, expert technical advice, and unparalleled customer service. Their team is driven by a passion for the marine industry and a dedication to helping customers find the right solutions for their needs. By continuously updating their product ranges and embracing the latest technologies, ASAP Supplies ensures they remain at the forefront of the marine equipment supply sector.

Mary Rose Would be all at Sea Without Hanwells Monitoring Technology

Thursday, 18th February 2021

Hanwell Solutions Ltd has helped preserve one of the most famous tourist attractions in the UK by developing a temperature and humidity monitoring solution to ensure the correct environmental conditions are constantly maintained for the site.

Mary Rose, the 16th century warship sunk in the Solent in 1545, is now a museum after a 34-year conservation project during which Hanwell’s technology and environmental monitoring sensors played a key role, continuously checking and recording temperature and humidity of the ship during the drying out process to minimise distortion and the cracking of wood due to environmental fluctuations.

To this day Hanwell’s Pro technology continues to play a crucial role in protecting the historic vessel, recovered from the sea bed in 1982 and brought back to life for 21st Century visitors, as the Mary Rose Trust’s Head of Conservation and Collections Care, Eleanor Schofield, explained.

Eleanor said: “The Hanwell monitoring system was easy to set up to give us all the data we need. We link it to alarms, which are set so that if one sensor reports an environmental factor has become out of tolerance we can react quickly. The system enables us to get the problem sorted quickly, as well as helping us with routine maintenance.”

Because of the unique nature of the Mary Rose, Hanwell had to design a customised solution for the conservation team. The system has been a key indicator in monitoring the drying of the timbers – if something had gone wrong it would have affected the whole ship.

Over 30 sensors from the Hanwell Pro range are on the hull of the ship, continuously mapping the condition of the wood. The Hanwell system not only monitors the ship’s hull, but the vital data is also fed to the BMS system via MODBUS, data from the wireless sensors also control the separate air handling units for the collection of artefacts through a Hanwell custom built MS1000 control panel. Between the two control systems the critical environmental conditions are maintained between 18-20°C and 50-58% RH.

Eleanor concluded: “We continue to experience a good working relationship with Hanwell Solutions and support whenever needed. Our need to monitor and control the stability of the environment of course continues, measuring and reacting to how changes in weather, visitor traffic and so on affect the ship, so our Hanwell system will continue to be crucially important to the Mary Rose.”

Award-winning Hanwell is the UK’s leading manufacturer of wireless environmental monitoring equipment which is ideal for tracking conditions in the heritage, pharmaceutical, healthcare and food industries and related sectors.

Hanwell’s highly innovative platforms provide maximum flexibility and enhanced control of data and events from anywhere in the world via cloud or server-based configuration. Interactive graphs, tables and plan views enable users to easily analyse data in multiple ways, and user access levels can be managed through customisable groups.

The accuracy and flexibility of environmental management provided by Hanwell protects heritage sites not just from monetary loss but also from damage to irreplaceable historical and cultural items by instantly warning of compromised conditions.

Six-figure investment strengthens First Marine Solutions survey and positioning service

Tuesday, 16th February 2021

First Marine Solutions (FMS), a leading provider of mooring solutions to the global energy sector, has made a six-figure investment to strengthen the firm’s survey and positioning service.

The investment comprises new office and workshop premises adjacent to the existing FMS headquarters in Aberdeen, and the appointments of Carl Lafferty and Marc McGruther, who join as Survey & Positioning Manager and Project Delivery Manager, respectively.

The latest appointments and the new survey base will bolster the existing in-house survey and positioning capability, firmly establishing FMS as one of the leading turnkey suppliers in the offshore moorings market. This investment will also position the business for growth in the emerging renewables market.

Survey & Positioning Manager, Carl, joins FMS with over 14 years’ experience of the on and offshore energy industry, having most recently overseen the project management function at Fugro GB (North) Marine, where he was instrumental in delivering key strategic projects.

As Project Delivery Manager, Marc brings a wealth of valuable industry experience having previously held roles within Seatronics and Saipem. Utilising his experience, Marc will oversee the project team, ensuring successful delivery for all stakeholders.

FMS’ Managing Director, Steven Brown, said: “This investment allows us to fit the final piece of the puzzle, positioning FMS as a fully integrated mooring and marine service provider, offering marine consultancy services, equipment supply and rental, and survey and positioning services across various sectors around the globe.

“The appointments of Carl and Marc are a fantastic addition to the FMS team, and I have no doubt that their extensive knowledge and expertise will not only strengthen our survey and positioning service but bring improvements to the whole business.”

Of his appointment, Carl said: “I am delighted to join FMS at a time of great opportunity within the industry, as I believe the business has adapted well to the new challenges it has faced. I am looking forward to developing the survey and positioning service, whilst working alongside my colleagues across our other service lines to deliver a truly integrated solution for our clients.”

Rhenus takes over BLG freight forwarding sites and opens up new markets

Tuesday, 16th February 2021

The BLG Logistics Group has made a strategic decision to focus on its domestic and international business in its Contract, Automobile and Container divisions in future. Rhenus Air & Ocean is consolidating its position in Germany with the planned takeover of the freight forwarding business of the logistics company, BLG International Forwarding GmbH & Co KG. Rhenus is using the acquisition to tap into new business fields and is making its global network available to the BLG Group. Provided that the cartel authorities approve the development, Rhenus will acquire nine air and sea freight sites on 1 April 2021.

The nine freight forwarding sites operated by BLG International Forwarding with about 100 employees are due to be integrated within the existing network of Rhenus Air & Ocean in Germany, which currently has twelve branches, from the beginning of April onwards. They include business sites in Hamburg and Bremerhaven, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart as well as Munich. This will enable the company to handle greater volumes through its LCL gateway in Hilden and its air freight hub at Frankfurt, for example.

“We’ve gained a strong partner in Rhenus Air & Ocean and it’s making available its extensive network to our customers thanks to its global presence,” says Jens Wollesen, the Contract Board Member at BLG LOGISTICS. “BLG is strategically adapting to changes in market conditions through the sale of our freight forwarding business. Even if we’ll no longer be represented right across Germany in terms of freight forwarding in future, we’ll continue to provide extensive international services in our Contract, Automobile and Freight Container divisions.”

“We’ve paved the way for the continual expansion of our air and sea freight activities during the last few years. Thanks to the additional business sites, employees and business activities, we’re consolidating our network in the Air & Ocean division in Germany. We’d also like to develop new lines of business like transporting food using reefer containers and activities in the trade fair and event logistics sector,” says Stefan Schwind, Managing Director of Rhenus Air & Ocean Deutschland.

The BLG freight forwarding site in Bremen, which focuses on overland traffic, transporting heavy goods, project business and sea freight, is excluded from the takeover.

Interior outfit with a difference – The SMS Group majors on interior fit out and refurbishment

Tuesday, 16th February 2021

Pride in ownership and trust in delivery – The SMS Group is excelling with fit out and marine interior refurbishments in 2021, exceeding budget by circa 25%.

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 Superyacht sectors.

Focusing on outfit has been key for the newly relocated SMS Group, now based inside ABP’s Southampton footprint, located less than half a mile from the new Cruise terminal.

The business has manged through the pandemic by maintaining low overheads and developing an entrepreneurial approach to fit out – completing numerous Cruise, Ferry and Defence projects, both in the UK and overseas, in a Covid-secure environment.

Dan Lockyer, Head of Interiors, talks about the SMS difference: “There are many marine outfitters in the market, both locally and internationally.

“My team and I have been fortunate enough to work for some of the best. These experiences have taught us so much.

“As SMS we’ve worked hard to completely remove the disconnect between the estimating team and the delivery team, as a Project Manager at SMS you own the whole job, start to finish. That’s the difference with SMS.”

He added: “We’re 100% focused on protecting both the customers interests and the Project Managers.

“Because we’re a much smaller, more dynamic team, perhaps more of a boutique outfitter, our Project Managers own all their works from ‘cradle through to grave’.

“They liaise with the customer from the outset, they quote the job, we peer-review the quote – taking the time to seek improved economical solutions.

“The Project Manager then goes on to plan the job, manage the suppliers and the subcontractors, and then ultimately deliver the works package.

“This approach ensures two things: no finger pointing, and no mistakes in delivery.”
He concludes by saying: “Peer-to-peer review is genuinely important too.

“It ensures accurate quotations and realistic project plans. With over 100 years of time served experience within our fit out team we’ve learnt plenty of real world lessons.
“We know what works and what doesn’t, and perhaps more importantly we genuinely appreciate the long-term life-time value of key customer relationships.

“If it can be done we’ll do it. If it can’t be done we’ll be honest with the customer and together agree a solution that works. We’re playing the long-term game.”

The SMS Group provides turnkey outfit solutions to all marine Operators, globally, including the provision of ‘Ride On Squads’ and mechanical / structural engineering solutions.

Williams Shipping launches new website to spearhead its services to the renewable energy sector, part of the companyâ€™s commitment to long-term investment in Pembroke Port.

Monday, 15th February 2021

Supporting Renewables in Pembroke
Leading marine and logistics company Williams Shipping provides key services to the marine energy sector such as marine transportation and is a recognised supplier to the Port of Milford Haven at the heart of the UK’s energy supply and development industry.

“We have unparalleled experience in supporting and servicing renewable off-shore industry innovations, including wave, tide and wind energy projects,” says Philip Williams, Managing Director. “Our [Renewables] site gives us the chance to explain to the industry what we can do and how we can help the development of the port as a world class leader in this sector.”

Supporting the local economy
Williams Shipping is committed to continued investment in the Pembroke area to support local industries and contribute to drive the marine economy as the country moves out of recession. The company has been a major presence in Pembroke Port since 2004, providing vessel charter and marine and port services through a modern and versatile fleet of vessels, barges, marine equipment and crawler cranes based at the port, together with onward transportation and logistics services across Wales and around the UK and Irish coast.

“We are committed to extending Williams Shipping services at Pembroke Port,” confirms Philip Williams. “We provide a wide range of marine services to major industries on the Milford Haven Waterway and will continue our programme of continuous improvement for our customers.”

This month the company will announce further expansion of its port services, including both quayside improvements and passenger facilities. A 22m Multicat will be based in the Haven to service the jetties and a newly upgraded 70 tonne Kobelco hydraulic crawler crane will be made permanently available.

Supporting the next generation
As the marine and renewables sectors grow, Williams Shipping is committed to helping young people develop the skills they need for local employment. The company supports the Workboat Apprenticeship Scheme and expects to strengthen its teams as demand grows.

“We look forward to a long and supportive relationship with Pembroke Dock, its people and businesses,” says Philip Williams “and in particular to playing our part in the development of renewables as a sustainable resource for people everywhere.”

Making Tracks to Kingston, South Australia

Thursday, 11th February 2021

FAUN Trackway Limited, the leading manufacturer of ground stabilisation Trackway® solutions, has successfully delivered its renowned Boat Ramp Kit system to Kingston District Council, South Australia.

The order is the first of its kind in the region which sees the C40 Trackway® solution installed to improve beach access for both 2 and 4 wheel drives, along with safe watercraft launching and recovery.

Following a recommendation from its Maria Creek Sustainable Infrastructure Project Community Focus Group, Kingston District Council met to discuss the requirement.

Designed to maximise the mobility of boats and other watercraft, FAUN Trackway®’s Boat Ramp Kit is an innovative launch and recovery system, constructed from lightweight and environmentally friendly aluminium panels.

Once assembled, the Trackway® system is deployed quickly and effectively; and can be used again at a different location once recovered, providing both permanent and temporary solutions.

Suitable for wheeled vehicles, boat trailers, and marine equipment, the Boat Ramp Kit provides a high traction surface which ensures a smooth passage. Joined in multiples by a tongue and groove joint and locking bolts, the Boat Ramp kit can be supplied to any length requirement desired.

Chris Kendall, CEO at FAUN Trackway Limited, said: “The Boat Ramp Kit in Kingston is a brilliant example of how our products can be used in environments around the world. We’re proud to provide a sustainable system that will serve the region well into the future.”

Nat Traeger, CEO at Kingston District Council, commented: “Council is always looking at ways to value-add to its vision of being a thriving destination and this all-access solution is more than just a temporary boat ramp. In fact, by far the most satisfying outcome is that the council’s safe, popular beaches are now accessible to conventional vehicles as a 4WD isn’t required to use the Trackway®. Not only that, emergency service vehicles and those living with a disability can now also easily access our beaches, ‘the beach starts here’ is our motto for a reason, and this innovative solution is certainly testament to that!”

Jumbo shines as Tier I Contractor during Yunlin transport scope

Tuesday, 9th February 2021

Representing a significant milestone in the largest job in its history, Jumbo has completed the transportation part of its Transport & Installation contract for the Yunlin offshore wind farm in Taiwan.

umbo mobilised ships from its own Heavy Lift Vessel fleet, together with subcontracted deck carriers and HLVs from third parties, to transport the 40 monopiles, 120 monopile sections and 40 transition pieces (TPs) from yards in the Netherlands and Germany to Taiwan.

Yunlin illustrates Jumbo’s position as a Tier I contractor for a major offshore wind farm construction project. In addition to the actual transport of components from A to B, Jumbo’s role was complete project management of numerous critical aspects of the project. This included the engineering, design and fabrication management of the supporting and sea-fastening elements such as cradles, grillages and load spreader beams, procurement of additional equipment and services, as well as the chartering of third-party vessels.

In for the long term
Jumbo secured the Yunlin T&I contract with Yunneng Windpower Co. (a Taiwanese subsidiary of wpd AG) back in June 2019. Looking back over the previous eighteen months, Laurens Govers, Jumbo Manager Commerce Shipping, outlines the impact of Jumbo working as a Tier 1 contractor. “In providing total project logistics management, we have had very short communication lines with all the project participants. We have worked with an efficient mix between our own tonnage and the support rendered by our competitor-colleagues. At all times, our client has had direct contact with the asset holder. Furthermore, at all times, our decisions have been based on what was best for the project, thereby not focusing on short-term gains, but on building long-term relations. The fact that Jumbo is a family business is a contributing factor to this successful way of working.”

Saving time and money
In terms of logistics, the Yunlin offshore wind farm is a substantial project; the transport of components required no less than 21 intercontinental voyages, at times with 10 TPs per voyage. “Our eye for detail in the early contractual stages enabled the smooth progress in execution of transport. We highlighted potential bottlenecks in the port logistics in Taiwan well in advance, tackling them in an open and candid fashion to safeguard our client,” says Boudewijn van der Garden, Jumbo Commercial Manager specialised in Offshore Renewables. “Moreover, we supported direct berthing at the fabrication yard in Germany; this saved a lot of time. We re-used the saddles and other sea-fastenings; this saved a lot of money.”

Solution orientated handling
According to wpd, ‘Jumbo has put a lot of work in sourcing solutions for several challenges, which occurred not only before the planning, but even during the performance phase. While transports were ongoing, new knowledge was gained, the design of the substructure was still subject to change and Jumbo’s Engineers and Project Managers had to implement new concepts very rapidly. Yunlin as a fast track project demands everything from those involved and there is often no time to evaluate upcoming topics to their ultimate depths. With every further voyage Jumbo gained the trust to be the right partner to cope with such big challenges.’

Up for the task
The transport of the offshore wind substructures is now completed. In the meantime, Jumbo is ready for the installation of 80 transition pieces. Once again, Jumbo will be working at the Tier I level, contracting additional support services such as monopile cleaning specialists and TP grouting teams.

Jumbo’s logistics performance on the Yunlin project has not gone unnoticed in the market, adds Laurens Govers: “Several EPCI contractors active in the offshore wind farm installation market have since contacted us to see whether we could partner up. Therewith carving out the logistical element of their scope and leaving it to the party that knows logistics best. For them, it’s a potential liability: for us, it’s our daily work.”

ASCO Starts the Year with West Africa Contract Wins

Monday, 8th February 2021

Global integrated materials and logistics management company, ASCO, has started 2021 with the announcement of two vessel monitoring contracts in West Africa, worth in the region of $3.5m USD.

Contracts include provision of ASCO’s fully managed vessel monitoring service for collision risk management, along with an entire field monitoring solution inclusive of design, procurement, installation, maintenance and monitoring.

The vessel monitoring service is just one of ASCO’s dedicated global marine services, offering clients a 24/7/365 global marine control service coordinated from a dedicated marine operation centre in Aberdeen.

Fraser Coleman, ASCO Marine Operations Manager, said: “These contract awards are confirmation of the excellent service provision that ASCO already delivers and demonstrates our capabilities of multi-regional for vessel monitoring and collision risk management.

“Through advanced technology and our team of experienced mariners, we are able to provide a reliable and immediate service to clients anywhere in the world from our operations control room in Aberdeen, ensuring the best use of valuable marine resources.”

Craig Revie, ASCO Group Energy Transition Manager, who has more than 20 years’ experience working in the field of offshore maritime surveillance commented: “Interactions between vessels and offshore structures continues to represent a major accident hazard for the energy industry, and whilst surveillance systems using radar, AIS and cameras provide a real time picture of maritime activity, these are not always being operated and monitored to their full capabilities therefore increasing risk to assets. In summary, ASCO’s dedicated monitoring service ensures that ship platform collisions and threats to subsea infrastructure do not go undetected.”

To find out more of these specialised marine services visit: https://www.ascoworld.com

Month: February 2021

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