Manor Renewable Energy to supply power to Hornsea Two Offshore Wind Farm

Wednesday, 17th March 2021

Manor Renewable Energy (MRE) has signed a major contract with leading renewable energy provider Ørsted to provide the full temporary power solution, service technicians and both crew transfer and walk to work vessels, during the construction phase of the Hornsea Two offshore windfarm.

Located 89 km off the UK coast, the project will comprise of 165 SGRE 8.0-167 type turbines, giving a total capacity of 1.4 GW; on completion it will become the largest offshore wind farm in the world.

MRE Director Toby Mead commented “when the company was founded in 2013, we set our sights on becoming the leading provider of temporary power to the offshore wind market and to undertake multi-disciplined marine projects, such as this; we’ve been fortunate enough to work with Ørsted on several projects and we look forward to building on that solid relationship”.

About Manor Renewable Energy UK

Established in 2013 by former mariners Eric Briar and Toby Mead, Manor Renewable Energy (MRE) has rapidly evolved into a leading UK-based provider of temporary power and engineering solutions for the offshore wind industry. Headquartered in Portland, Dorset, MRE has expanded its operations across the UK and internationally, delivering comprehensive services that support the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms

Comprehensive Offshore Services

MRE offers a suite of services tailored to the unique demands of offshore wind projects:

Temporary Power Solutions: MRE specialises in providing bespoke generator packages, vessels, and service materials for both short-term and long-term rental, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during various project phases.
Vessel Provision: Operating a fleet that includes the flagship vessel Manor Venture, MRE supplies specialised offshore support vessels essential for wind farm construction and maintenance activities.
Survey & Positioning: The company conducts geophysical and hydrographic surveys, offering precise data critical for site assessment and project planning.
Remedial Works: MRE provides a range of remedial services throughout the construction phase and into the operations and maintenance period, addressing issues promptly to minimise downtime.
Engineering Services: With dedicated workshops and facilities, MRE supports large-scale projects by offering engineering solutions that enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
Vessel Construction: Through its subsidiary, Manor Marine, MRE engages in the construction and refurbishment of multiple vessels, showcasing specialist craftsmanship and engineering excellence.
Cable Storage: MRE operates custom-built facilities for the rapid unloading and storage of export and inter-array cables, facilitating efficient cable management.
Marine Consultancy: Providing independent consultancy services, MRE advises offshore industry stakeholders and investors globally, leveraging its extensive experience to inform project decisions.

Global Project Portfolio

MRE has contributed to numerous high-profile offshore wind projects across Europe and Asia, including Hornsea One and Two, Kincardine, Rampion, SeaMade, Yunlin, and Beatrice. These projects underscore MRE’s capability to deliver reliable services in diverse marine environments, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the offshore wind sector.

Strategic Growth and Industry Integration

In early 2022, MRE was acquired by OEG Offshore, a global offshore services company. This acquisition has significantly broadened OEG’s renewables capability and aligns with its strategy to offer integrated offshore service packages worldwide. Post-acquisition, MRE has expanded its operations to the US, securing several temporary power work scopes, and continues to explore opportunities in the Far East.

The acquisition of German-based OPUS Marine has further enhanced MRE’s fleet, now comprising sixteen specialised offshore support vessels operating across the UK, Europe, and Taiwan. Plans for additional vessels are underway, including developments in autonomous vessel technology, reflecting MRE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

MRE’s operations are underpinned by a commitment to quality, safety, and environmental stewardship. The company holds certifications for ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management), demonstrating adherence to international standards and continuous improvement.

Geographic expansion and key appointments strengthen Unique Groups Survey division

Tuesday, 16th March 2021

Following the successful expansion into Australia, leading integrated subsea and offshore solutions provider, Unique Group, has expanded its survey operations in the Netherlands, whilst strengthening its global survey team with three senior appointments.

The move is in line with the company’s strategy to provide autonomous survey solutions and technologically advanced survey and inspection equipment to customers in Europe via Unique Group’s Netherlands facility, and with a view to navigating the challenges wrought by both Brexit legislation and COVID-19 restrictions.

With a large warehouse and servicing premises, the Werkendam-based facility will house significant stock of Unique Group’s core rental products including Multibeam systems, Magnetometers, Side Scan Sonars, Inertial Navigation Systems as well as a range of diver and ROV inspection equipment.

Maintaining the company’s ongoing global growth strategy, Unique Group has made three new senior appointments to its survey team, based in Singapore, Aberdeen and Houston. Zac Lee joins as Senior Business Development Manager in Singapore, bringing over 10 years’ experience working in the technical and management roles within the subsea equipment sector. Brook Rodger joins as UK Sales Manager in Aberdeen following management positions within subsea specialists Nortek and iXblue. As Global Asset Manager, Houston-based subsea expert, Dave Ross, joins Unique Group with a remit to optimise increased asset investment across the Group through enhanced asset tracking and advanced visibility.

Sahil Gandhi, COO at Unique Group, said: “We are making good progress with our strategic goals for the Survey division; the addition of autonomous survey and equipment capabilities to our Netherlands office brings us closer to our clients in mainland Europe. Equally, our soon-to-be-launched e-commerce website, which will make ordering requirements easier for our customers, regardless of location.”

Andy Doggett, Unique Group’s Survey Equipment Group Director, added: “We are pleased to welcome Zac, Brook and Dave to the team, as they bring with them a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge which will add value to our clients and Unique Group alike.”

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited and Wirral Borough Council Secure the Civil Engineering Contractors Associated North West Small Project of the Year Award

Friday, 12th March 2021

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited and Wirral Borough Council have been awarded the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Small Project of the Year award for the North West Region. The award relates to the successful delivery of the New Brighton Aids to Navigation scheme, a technically and operationally challenging coastal project delivered at the height of the tourist season. The project involved the replacement of 3no. Navigational Structures, constructed in the 1980’s to mark submerged offshore coastal defences within the Mersey Estuary.

Recognition was given by the judges to the need for developing an alternative design which allowed the project to be delivered in accordance with a restricted budget and within a challenging tidal environment. This simplified design involved replacing the existing tripod arrangement with a single 508mm diameter concrete filled monopile complete with sleeve.

The 3no. Navigation Structures were installed from a 250-tonne jack-up barge due to the need to work within the intertidal zone. In addition to a piled foundation, the Navigational Aids also include a superstructure, which consists of a gantry complete with handrailings. The superstructure was pre-fabricated off-site, allowing it to be installed in a single lift, thereby minimising the onsite programme. The new Navigational Structures include a fixed light which can be seen for three nautical miles. Upon completion, the existing structures were dismantled.

Antony Ballantyne, Operations Director at Southbay Civil Engineering Limited, said, ‘We are delighted at securing such a prestigious award, which recognises the excellent working relationship maintained between both client and contractor throughout all stages of project delivery. In working collaboratively, we were able to develop an alternative design solution which not only delivered increased value, but also significantly reduced disruption when working throughout the busy tourist season’.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this project, including the council’s own flood and coastal risk team. The relationship they and the contractors’ built up enabled both sides to get a clear understanding of what each needed to achieve, which from our side included remaining within a restricted budget. This award is testimony to the innovative and collaborative way the works were conceived and then carried out.”

Photo by Ray Foley.

Diverse Marine completes early delivery of Iceni Valoura to Turner Iceni despite challenges of pandemic

Friday, 12th March 2021

Diverse Marine, the industry leading workboat constructor and refit/repair provider is delighted to announce the early delivery of the offshore wind crew transfer vessel ‘Iceni Valour’ to Turner Iceni. The vessel arrived successfully ahead of schedule in North Wales, to commence her 10-year charter in the Liverpool Bay area.

‘Iceni Valour’ is a 24m aluminium CTV designed by Walker Marine Design to meet the specific requirements of Turner Iceni and their long term client. Every aspect of the vessel has been designed to maximise vessel reliability and provide the highest levels of comfort for both the crew and the technicians.

Powered by twin MAN D2862 LE263 1400hp main engines with ZF3050 gearboxes and Hamilton Jet HM651 water jet units, the vessel achieved sprint speeds of 29 knots – maintaining a service speed in excess of 25 knots. With 12,000ltrs of fuel and 12 technicians, the vessel can carry 20,000 kg of deck cargo with only a modest reduction in performance. The hybrid ready Hamilton Jet AVX control system also provides station keeping using the Jet-Anchor function to enable low fuel consumption position lock whilst standing by offshore.

Sea trials during February demonstrated minimal speed loss in higher sea states to ensure the vessel remains operational in the harshest of operating conditions. Twin 37kw NANNI generators provide 400V to the switchboard, providing ship wide hotel loads, as well as a power pack for the crane and winch.

The resiliently mounted deckhouse ensures very low vibration, with noise levels of just 58DbA in the passenger saloon at 25 knots. The technician space benefits from Turner Iceni’s considerable experience as a CTV operator and features shock mitigating seating, automatic climate control, large window areas, concealed lighting, a forward access door together with underfloor heating to ensure the space remains dry on the wettest days. The flat foredeck provides safe and secure access to on/offshore assets.

The bridge provides a next generation configuration for CTV’s, designed with a minimalist helm console with only essential equipment positioned for the skipper, to ensure that all controls are within arcs of movement. Twin Furuno TZ Touch 19” monitors provide the heart of the vessel’s navigation and communications with the ability to share information to twin 42” and one 32” Hatteland monitors using Furuno Time Zero. At the core is an augmented reality system using a FLIR thermal camera to show AIS targets, routes, waypoints and navigation hazards over a video screen in real time. All non-essential equipment is located aft on a separate console enabling the crew to interrogate all systems without compromising the safe navigation of the vessel.

As Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine states, “We are immensely proud of what has been achieved with this build. Our team has worked exceptionally hard through the challenges of a global pandemic to deliver ‘Iceni Valour’ early to the client, but also on budget and to the highest standard. The result is very impressive.”

Richard Thurlow of Turner Iceni adds: “Collectively, with our teams in Lowestoft and Glasgow, we operate a recognised world class standard of service to our clients with world-class British designed and built boats. I am blown away by the quality from Diverse Marine and for delivering ‘Iceni Valour’ in the most challenging of climates.”

For further information about ‘Iceni Valour’ visit: www.diversemarine.co.uk

DLM Tensionmeters for Jan de Nul Crane Vessel

Thursday, 11th March 2021

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM), of Southampton, UK has provided eight bespoke Running Line Monitors (RLMs) for Jan de Nul’s 236.8m-long Les Alizés, a next generation, 5,000t capacity floating installation crane vessel, currently being built in China.

DLM, a specialist in the design, manufacture, repair and calibration of load cells and load monitoring equipment, delivered the RLMs to NOV’s BLM division, which designs and manufactures ship and offshore equipment products. NOV-BLM presented DLM with a requirement for equipment to monitor the tension on mooring winches aboard the Les Alizés.

The solution is for an eight-point mooring system, that will keep the vessel locked and stable during operations. The original performance criteria was 0-2750 kN, but that was later changed to 3,500kN (approx. 350t). DLM chose a customised solution, based on its standard 200t-rated RLM, adapted to a larger rope diameter and increased safe working load (SWL) and minimum breaking load (MBL) requirements.

Jamie Woodcock, business development manager at DLM, said: “The initially-quoted working range was up-rated by the client. The calibration was also a challenge due to the high working load and proof load requirements. We tested to a safe calibrated load using wire rope, then proof tested the pin in a compression machine to simulate the resultant load the pin would see when in service. This negated the need for risky and potentially unsafe wire rope tests to this very high tension [5,000 kN].”

Woodcock added: “By enlarging the frame we could use larger wheels to suit the 76mm diameter rope. We also needed to up-rate some components for the higher SWL, but still maintained a high safety factor.”

Other standout features of the RLMs included maximum design speed of 30m/min up to 200t, 15m/min thereafter; proof load 1.5 x SWL, which equalled 5,625 kN line tension; and high repeatable accuracy up to the full working scale. The calibration process required multiple 76mm slings, as each RLM needed to have multiple runs. The equipment is powder-coated grey to the clients specific RAL reference, suitable for the marine environment with a working life in excess of 20 years. After sales support will also be provided as part of the contract.

Woodcock said: “The marine and renewables industry is very busy. Jan de Nul will likely utilise this vessel for construction projects, such as installation of large wind turbines offshore.”

DLM’s standard range of RLMs (15t, 60t, 200t) are designed specifically for harsh marine-type environments. Typically used in cable laying, towing, mooring and other winch operations to measure and record line tension, pay-out and speed. Their robust design make them the perfect line tension monitor for demanding offshore applications. Available in cabled or wireless configurations, they can be integrated into existing vessel systems, or supplied as stand-alone systems with individual or multi-input HMI displays, with touch screen and data logging capabilities.

Jan de Nul’s Les Alizés will be completed in 2022.

Motive plans for positive year ahead in Norway

Thursday, 11th March 2021

Motive Offshore Group, specialists in onshore and offshore cable handling equipment, cable lay packages, hydraulic winches and deck equipment, is projecting a positive year ahead with the continued growth of Motive AS, its Norwegian entity.

The firm, which is headquartered in Aberdeenshire, launched its premises in Stavanger in 2013 and has since experienced substantial growth into new premises in 2019 and an extension of its services through the acquisition of local flexible flowlines and umbilical testing specialist, Pumptech.

Motive AS has invested to the tune of 10 million NOK since opening operations in Norway, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the region and tripling its workforce through local talent hire. The firm also gained Norwegian certification for inspection from Kiwa, which has enabled Motive AS to expand its service lines to include inspections, wire rope and umbilical spooling and handling kits.

Commercially, 2020 was a record year for turnover exceeding budgets by 15% in the region, and with work scheduled for this year the company is on track for a promising 2021. Reflecting the level of activity, the company has expanded its team with the addition of an Inspection Manager for the region.

Arthur Price joins as Inspection Manager and brings with him 16 years’ inspection experience working in Norway for various inspection, lifting and drilling companies. Mr Price will focus upon the technical side of all inspection work for the company, advising clients on best practice and will have responsibility for training junior members of the inspection team as it grows in size.

Ryan Thomson, Motive AS Country Manager for Norway, said: “Last year was challenging for all but at Motive we had a strong drive to work hard, continuing and modifying operations where required in order to keep the ball rolling. We have grown in size since opening operations in Norway and critical to our on-going strategy is an investment in the local talent that Norway has to offer.

“2021 is looking promising and with recent contract wins we look forward to further expanding operations globally and growing our team locally.”

Launched in 2010 by James Gregg and Dave Acton, Motive Offshore Group is headquartered in Boyndie, Banff, Scotland, with additional offices in Aberdeen, Houston, Norway and the Middle East.

Associated Listing:

HydroSurv and Orange Force Marine partner in Canada

Wednesday, 10th March 2021

HydroSurv Unmanned Survey (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce it has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Orange ForceMarine Ltd. whereby the parties will collaborate in the sale of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) and provision of USV based hydrographic and environmental surveying services in Canada.

‘Our mission is to democratise ocean data, and by using our globally innovative USV technology with our cloud-based data visualisation, we can put actionable intelligence into the hands of hydrographic and environmental survey commissioners. TheCanadian market is an important market for ‘Robotics-as-a-Service’ and we’re pleased to be working with Orange Force Marine to help us serve that market’ said David Hull, CEO HydroSurv.

‘The global marine industry is rapidly adopting the use of USVs, and the Canadian market is on-pace with the introduction of this technology. Given the dynamics found within the marine environment in Canada and the unique needs of Canadian surveyors – presently and in the years to come, we recognise the significant value that HydroSurv’s services and USV technology brings to the Canadian marketplace. We’re pleased to be working with such a progressive organisation as HydroSurv, and we look forward to jointly providing a cutting-edge survey solution in Canada’ said Derek Niles, President of Orange Force Marine.

About HydroSurv
HydroSurv is an innovative designer, builder and operator of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) delivering technology and services for a range of industries including ocean conservation, utilities, ports and harbours and the renewable energy sector,where they aim to disrupt the work of conventional support vessels using low-impact vessels operated from land-basedcontrol centres.

About Orange Force Marine
Orange Force Marine provides safe, professional, cost effective & efficient commercial marine services to clients throughout the Great Lakes (Canada & US) and Atlantic Canada; while improving mariner competency, reducing risk and enhancing safetyof life at sea through education & training. In addition to vessel chartering services and training; marine products, crewing, and various other marine consulting services are also offered.

Blade Runner Two

Wednesday, 10th March 2021

Harnessing energy from the wind provides a renewable source of low-carbon energy, cleaner and more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. But developing the tools to harness that energy requires innovation and investment, not only from energy companies but from right across the supply chain.

Bespoke blade barge

Offshore wind turbine blades present a unique transport challenge. At 80 metres long, the blades manufactured by Vestas on the Isle of Wight cannot be transported by normal vessels, so Williams Shipping operates a purpose-built blade transport barge for the business.

BLADE RUNNER TWO (‘BR2’) is a 75 metre shallow water barge designed to meet the precise demands of both cargo and delivery route. Vestas state-of-the-art factory near Newport is on the River Medina, on the site of the old cement mills, so BR2 has a ‘Medina Bow’ engineered to suit this berth. A ‘Solent Bow’ provides versatility for the rest of the journey.

Dedicated and experienced crew

Williams Shipping provides a round-the-clock service for turbine blade deliveries. BR2 is crewed by a local team of 16 on four shifts.

Each team of four is multi-skilled. The crew provides Ship’s Captain, Mate and two deck hands at sea, and at the quayside they become the blade lifting team. The cumbersome blades are loaded with Williams Shipping’s crawler cranes by two crane drivers and two slinger/signalers who supervise the lifting operation to load and unload cargo.

“We are very proud of our skilled BR2 crews,” says Julian Shawyer, Marine Supervisor (Blades) at Williams Shipping. “Their experience and care ensure safe delivery of this valuable cargo, helping secure our reputation as trusted service providers to the renewable energy sector.”

Transport to Fawley and Portsmouth Docks

Blade Runner Two operates day and night, collecting wind turbine blades from the Isle of Wight and shipping them to the Vestas facility on the mainland. Here the blades are painted and finished before being delivered by BR2 to a Load Out port (Southampton or Portsmouth) ready to be shipped to projects around the UK and Europe.

In a neat evolutionary twist, this new Vestas finishing facility is at Fawley Waterside, site of the old oil-powered Power Station and iconic chimney, a navigational landmark due for demolition this year.

Renewable energy facilities for the UK

Since the Government announced the Offshore Wind Sector Deal in 2019 the wind energy sector has benefited from its vision for offshore wind to become the backbone of the UK’s power system, with capacity set to treble to at least 30GW by 2030 – providing over a third of our annual power needs.

Vestas has continued to invest in its wind turbine facilities on the Isle of Wight and at Fawley, and most of the blades transported by Williams Shipping on BLADE RUNNER TWO supply offshore wind facilities around the UK. The rest are exported to wind farms off the coast of northern Europe.

Clarksons Port Services Unveils Aberdeen Quayside Premises Reduces Carbon Footprint

Monday, 8th March 2021

Aberdeen-based Clarksons Port Services (CPS) has underlined ongoing commercial success and a commitment to its sustainability strategy with a move into new, larger premises at Aberdeen Harbour’s Matthew’s Quay.

Based on Matthew’s Quay peninsula, the new location will see CPS – a division of Clarksons, the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping and offshore services – become one of only a small number of shipping agencies located within the Harbour boundaries. A wide range of onsite plant and machinery, along with access to a heavy lift pad, 1,600m2 outdoor storage space and 2,000m2 of customs bonded warehouse, will be available at the new location. The ability to mobilise and operate cranes, plant and labour will allow for large-scale mobilisation and de-mobilisations to take place on the agency’s doorstep.

The move follows a busy 2020 for CPS, which has seen it complete a number of large projects on behalf of major North Sea EPCI contractors, whilst continuing to service its bulk cargo customers, keeping the UK stocked with animal and human feedstuffs and bulk material.

Innes Cameron, CPS Director, comments: “Our new location provides immediate access to adjacent berths which are ideal for all types of vessel, from large vessels involved across the spectrum of offshore oil and gas and renewable energy projects, to general cargo carriers and the Norwegian and African lines.

“Faster vessel access will, of course, bring significant client benefits as our 24/7 turnkey solutions are provided via one central location. The opportunity to be based within Aberdeen Harbour, amalgamating our office, warehouse and yard facilities, very much reflects our commitment to the highest-possible level of client service, whilst providing us with the capacity for future expansion.”

In addition to the client benefits associated with on-the-spot agency services, CPS’ new premises will also play a key part in the company’s objective to reduce its global carbon footprint. Locally, the increased proximity to the vessels it services will reduce fleet travel across Aberdeen City, cutting current tCOâ‚‚e by 16%.

Matt North, Chief Operating Officer at Aberdeen Harbour Board added: “We welcome this strategic move by CPS to relocate inside the port, further underpinning our position as the port of choice for offshore energy and adding depth to the immediate supply chain. We share CPS’ vision to deliver the highest-possible level of customer services and look forward to working closely with Innes and his team.”

Marine services provider Williams Shipping welcomes new Multicat Willchallenge as the latest addition to the fleet.

Wednesday, 3rd March 2021

Williams Shipping is delighted to welcome another Eurocarrier 2209 to the fleet. Our crew joined the vessel at Neptune Marine’s yard in Aalst, The Netherlands and sailed to Southampton in February.

Willchallenge is a marine barge and the latest version of a Eurocarrier 2209 built by Neptune. Her specification includes all Caterpillar machinery, an HS Marine 185 tonnes /m hydraulic crane, a 50 tonnes anchor handling and towing winch and hydraulic anchor handling pins.

The accommodation is fitted out to a very high standard including fully airconditioned cabins for four crew. She joins Willendeavour our other Eurocarrier 2209 and our fleet of Damen Stantugs and Meercat workboats.

“Willchallenge is versatile and powerful and has already generated a lot of interest from customers keen to take advantage of her capabilities,” says Philip Williams, Managing Director – Marine at Williams Shipping.

Month: March 2021

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