Queens Award for International Trade for The Wight Shipyard Company

Thursday, 29th April 2021

The Wight Shipyard Company, the UK’s leading specialist manufacturer of aluminium marine craft, based in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for International Trade in recognition of its work to increase British exports.

A home-grown British marine manufacturing success story, the Wight Shipyard Company builds high-speed passenger ferries, tourist vessels and commercial workboats for the windfarm support vessel market, both domestically and internationally.

The company was formed by leading entrepreneur Sir Charles Dunstone and business partner Peter Morton in 2016 with a bold vision to restore the UK’s shipbuilding business.

Over the past three years, nearly 60% of the company’s turnover was for export market. Furthermore, the employment opportunities created on the Isle of Wight have made the Wight Shipyard Company a thriving hub of innovation in shipbuilding and high-tech manufacturing with a highly skilled local workforce.

Speaking at about The Queen’s Award for International Trade, Peter Morton, Chief Executive of the Wight Shipyard Company stated: “We are delighted to receive this recognition. The overarching ambition was always to see a revival in British shipbuilding to compete on an international stage. To do so we understood and drove the need for efficiencies whilst nurturing a completely new generation of shipbuilders in order to produce world beating products for both the domestic and international markets.”

The domestic fast ferry market is significant in the UK. However, the Wight Shipyard Company has the capacity to produce more boats than required, so exporting and competing internationally has been vital to its development and success.

The company’s sales efforts naturally led it overseas and membership of Interferry, the shipping association representing the ferry industry globally, opened up the markets of Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, West Africa and South America. The Wight Shipyard Company also works closely with the ferry broking industry giving it a competitive advantage when tendering for projects.

To date the company’s three largest export orders have come from Austria, Mexico and Malta. An Austrian ferry operating on the Danube for Twin City Liners was delivered in 2018. In 2019, two high speed ferries were completed ahead of schedule and were the first vessels exported from the UK to Mexico since 1980 for Ultramar, Cancun. This was followed by the build of four high-speed ferries for the Maltese operator Captain Morgan Cruises in 2020.

Peter Morton, CEO, further commented: “Keeping a steady stream of both international and domestic orders has enabled us to grow and the Queen’s Award for International Trade is a significant recognition that will open doors around the world. It is a testament and endorsement to everyone who works at the Wight Shipyard Company and for Sir Charles, who has been a committed supporter of British shipbuilding and enterprise.”

The Wight Shipyard is one of 205 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2021. Now in its 55th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the UK.

Manor Marine Nab and Needles Upgrade Project Progress for Jenkins Marine

Thursday, 29th April 2021

Manor Marine has made significant progress in the manufacturing of two new wheelhouse and accommodation modules for Jenkins Marine.

Commissioned in 2020, the new modules will be fitted to the Split Hopper Barges, ‘Nab’ and ‘Needles’, completing the ship building project by Summer 2021.

The superstructures are currently undergoing final fitout, with the module for ‘Nab’ slightly further ahead in the build process with the electrical system currently being fitted. ‘Nab’ is scheduled to arrive at Manor Marine in Portland next month, when the existing accommodation module will be removed, and the new module will be fitted. ‘Needles’ will arrive later this year for her module to be replaced.

Project Manager at Manor Marine, Paul Whitehead, commented, “The project is progressing well; it has been a pleasure working with Jenkins Marine and continuing our ongoing business relationship.”

Each superstructure features two separate air-conditioned double cabins, a mess/briefing room, drying locker and elevated bridge with ergonomic helm console with all-round visibility; the new modules will provide much needed improvements to the size and quality of welfare facilities onboard the vessels, whilst modernising their appearance.

Rechargeable, Multi-Beam Head Torch For Use in Hazardous Areas

Thursday, 22nd April 2021

Available from IM&M, the HT-500 Petzl Duo Z1 is a powerful, Zone 1 Rechargeable multi-beam Head Torch for use in Hazardous Areas. It features four lighting modes and a maximum output of 360 lumens on BOOST mode.

Features and Benefit:

Light output / duration / power

Long life LED light source
Multiple beam options for varying work tasks: BOOST mode 360lm, distance vision 140lm, movement 300lm, proximity 170lm & close range work 70lm
Duration at different power levels: 7, 12, 17 & 23 hrs.
Additional ‘reserve mode’ provides 10lm for 1.5 hrs
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery charges in 8 hrs.
Flood, spot and mixed beam options, depending on power setting
FACE2FACE anti-glare feature, allows users to face one another without blinding
Robust, reliable and proven materials
Ergonomic design
Compact and lightweight
Large tactile switch (easy to use even when wearing gloves)
Highly robust
Helmet ready with mounting plates included for VERTEX and STRATO helmets

Certification

ATEX Zone 1/21
T4 temperature class
IP67 water and dust-tight

For further information, please contact us on: 0114 2853040 or sales@im-m.co.uk

Oi Connect Cancelled

Wednesday, 21st April 2021

As 2021 unfolds there has been a shift in focus for the ocean tech and science community.

The dark days of the pandemic are giving way to brighter times within the offshore oil industry, and, along with brighter times a greater focus on getting back to normal.

It is this shift that has prompted the Oi Connect Team to announce that Oi Connect 2021 will not go ahead in May 2021.

The shift in focus means that the Oceanology International Team will continue to work with the ocean tech & science community to offer opportunities to meet and learn but in different ways, such as webinars, exhibitor led product showcases and, of course Oceanology International, the live event. Oceanology International is scheduled to go ahead in a safe and secure way in March 2022 at ExCel London.

Oceanology International will continue to work with Seaplant over the coming months to share news and updates from the ocean tech industry and together look forward to the physical event in March 2022.

To learn more about Oceanology International visit https://www.oceanologyinternational.com/

Goodchild Marine Services Contract Award

Tuesday, 20th April 2021

Goodchild Marine Services Limited and Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) are delighted to announce that following a competitive tendering process, contracts have been signed for the signing of boat building contracts that will see the authority take delivery of new research and patrol boats in 2022.

Eastern IFCA’s district encompasses the counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk and extends 6 nautical miles out to sea. Its role is to manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries area. It does this by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental, and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries, and a viable fishing industry.

Goodchild Marine is one of the country’s leading commercial boat builders, and for over 40 years, it has developed a reputation for innovation and quality. This patrol boat, a Lynx 16m catamaran costing £1.6m, will have a Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat, various winches, sensors, and sampling equipment. Not to mention an onboard laboratory to analyse samples, as science and research are fundamental to EIFCA’s work.

The patrol boatvessel can reach speeds of 22kts and will have the latest engines in terms of efficiency and emissions compliance (IMO Tier III).

Stephen Pierce, General Manager at Goodchild Marine Services Limited, said: “This is another example of our commitment to support our fishing industry as well as adding value to the local economy as we will use several local supply chain companies on this project”.

Julian Gregory, CEO of Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said, “We are pleased that a local company has been awarded the contract for our replacement research vessel.

This will enable us to be closely involved with the build process and benefit the local economy. The design of the new vessel will improve upon our current capabilities, and a projected long service life will ensure that we get value for money.

We have a can-do attitude, as we work towards the UK Governments’ commitment to deliver a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas. This vessel will increase our capabilities on managing fisheries and conserving the marine environment.

JW Automarine Ltd Expands its JWA HIRE Network

Monday, 19th April 2021

JW Automarine Ltd has opened a second JWA HIRE facility in Norfolk, England. This new unit will act as a supply and service hub for the main JWA HIRE headquarters in Aberdeen, Scotland.

JWA HIRE was launched in early 2020 to offer manufacturer-certified water weight load test bags and subsea air lift bags to the Oil and gas sector and beyond.

While the industry has suffered, JW Automarine’s expansion and development have continued as it works to ensure it is best placed to meet its customers’ requirements moving forward.

Other investments have included rebranding the business, a new website, and investments in the company’s business infrastructure, including HIRE-specific asset management software.

The opening of the new site is a further business development since MD Chris Dawson acquired JW Automarine in June 2020. Commenting on the announcement:

“Having been there at the start of water weight load test bag development and production, it is a natural progression for us to offer our bags for HIRE. The divers, engineers and technicians using these bags are often in difficult and dangerous environments. We reassure them of a globally accepted quality product, tested and certified by the manufacturer”.

Since 1972 JW Automarine has led the way in PVC & PU welded fabric technology. Its distinctive yellow bags with the Diver logo are the industry standard for Load Test Bags & Lift bags, while its Marine, Custom & Forces divisions supply solutions to a diverse range of industries and end users globally.

How To Add Some Extra Oomph To Your Pipeline

Monday, 19th April 2021

The last year has had a number of different effects in different markets. If you’re selling coffee from a store, you’ve seen sales plummet. However, if you sell laptops and home office equipment, you’re probably having your best year yet!

For the ocean tech community, market conditions seem buoyant (excuse the pun). Speaking to a number of our leading clients about their current situation, the order books appear to be strong.

A lighthouse in the dark

Recently, we saw that DLM has announced a new partnership with Dunlop as an official global distributor of the 18″ Dunlop Tyre, commonly used by the Cable-Laying Industry.

Elsewhere, Kongsberg Maritime has reached an agreement to supply Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR) with four autonomous vessels and Subsea 7 recently announced the award of a sizeable contract. The scope of work includes engineering, project management and procurement.

Ok, so the order books look good for now, but how do you maintain a qualified pipeline for the coming months?
Well, there are of course a number of ways:

Existing contacts will play an important part.
Looking out for tenders.
Developing and creating new products

But how can an online event play in your continued qualified pipeline?

Digital events can play just as crucial a role in keeping the books full, and even open yourself up to a global market. The team running the Oceanology International portfolio has been busy studying results from the last Oi Connect event held in December 2020, and we now know how many visitors have expressed an interest in particular products/services.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what visitors were interested in:

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV): 2533
Acoustic: 2257
Bathymetric Survey: 2050
Oceanography: 1744
Remote Operated Vehicle – ROVs: 1724
Marine Survey: 1673
UXO Services: 1656
Data Acquisition/Management: 1561
Robotics: 1460
Survey Equipment: 1431
Sonar & Systems: 1419

The data has been pulled from the registration data of Oi Connect 2020 and it clearly demonstrates the potential value of the ocean tech and science visitor to those exhibitors who invested in Oi Connect last year.
A new opportunity for 2021

We have listened to feedback from all attendees and made a bunch of tweaks and structural leaps to ensure that we can deliver qualified visitors who are interested and engaged in your products. There’s no need to scour the seven seas looking for leads, you will find them at Oi Connect 2021, 11-14 May 2021.

To find out more about being part of Oi Connect this year, contact us here, or visit the main website here. But hurry, time is running out to drop anchor and set yourself up for success.

Manor Renewable Energy Welcomes Survey Manager to Head New Survey Department

Friday, 16th April 2021

Manor Renewable Energy (MRE) welcomes Alex Richards to the team as Survey Manager.

In his new role, Alex will establish and lead the company’s new survey department.

Alex joins MRE with over 23 years of experience across a wide range of survey disciplines, including marine renewables, combining a strong background in offshore and coastal hydrography with management skills developed whilst running a successful survey company.

Alex commented, “I had worked closely with MRE in the past, so it’s exciting to join the company at a time when the industry is evolving at such an incredible pace.”

Billy Hamilton, Sales Director at MRE, said, “Adding a new survey department to MRE’s expanding portfolio of offshore services is a fascinating step for the company; we’re pleased to bring Alex into the team with his extensive experience.”

MRE are now owned by OEG Renewables.

Manor Marine Awarded ISO 45001 & 14001 Accreditation

Friday, 16th April 2021

Manor Marine, an industry leading provider of ship building, marine and general engineering services to the maritime and renewables sectors, has successfully achieved Health & Safety and Environmental Management Systems Certification by NQA, conforming to ISO 45001 – Health and Safety Management and ISO 14001 – Environmental Management.

Bill Partridge, HSEQ Manager at Manor Marine, commented, “We have worked incredibly hard to achieve this certification, which recognises our continuous improvement of environmental, quality and risk management standards across the business; we are all incredibly proud to have been awarded this outcome”.

The achievement of these additional ISO accreditations is an exciting milestone for Manor Marine. They complement the company’s existing ISO 9001—Quality Management Certification and reflect its high standards of health and safety and environmental procedures.

Understanding ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 Certifications

ISO certifications play a crucial role in ensuring organisations meet internationally recognised standards for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Among the most significant certifications are ISO 45001 for Health & Safety Management and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management. These certifications, provided by accredited bodies such as NQA, demonstrate a company’s commitment to maintaining high standards in workplace safety and environmental sustainability.

ISO 45001 – Health & Safety Management

ISO 45001 is the globally recognised standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems. It provides a structured approach for organisations to improve worker safety, reduce workplace risks, and create better working conditions.

Key benefits of ISO 45001 certification include:

Improved workplace safety – Reduces risks of accidents and injuries through proactive hazard identification and risk assessment.
Legal and regulatory compliance – Helps businesses adhere to occupational health and safety laws.
Employee well-being – Enhances employee morale and productivity by fostering a safe working environment.
Risk mitigation – Identifies potential hazards and prevents incidents before they occur.

By implementing ISO 45001, companies demonstrate their commitment to a structured and continuously improving health and safety culture, leading to lower accident rates and greater operational efficiency.

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management

ISO 14001 is the leading international environmental management system standards (EMS). It provides a framework for organisations to improve their environmental performance, reduce waste, and comply with environmental regulations.

Key benefits of ISO 14001 certification include:

Sustainability – Reduces environmental impact through better waste management, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.
Regulatory compliance – Ensures adherence to environmental laws and regulations.
Cost savings – Decreases costs by improving energy use and reducing waste.
Improved reputation – Demonstrates corporate responsibility, enhancing trust among stakeholders, customers, and regulators.

ISO 14001 certification helps organisations take a structured approach to identifying and reducing environmental risks while promoting sustainable business practices.

NQA Certification and Its Importance

NQA is a globally recognised certification body that assesses and certifies organisations against ISO standards. Their certification ensures that companies conform to best practices in health, safety, and environmental management. Achieving ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 through NQA signifies a company’s dedication to protecting its workforce and the environment, fostering trust with customers, regulatory bodies, and employees.

By obtaining these certifications, businesses demonstrate their commitment to high operational standards, reducing risks, improving sustainability, and driving long-term success.

Jumbo Shipping and SAL Heavy Lift launch Jumbo-SAL-Alliance

Friday, 16th April 2021

Joint venture creates a new commercial heavyweight in project and breakbulk shipping with a fleet of 30 advanced heavy lift vessels

Today, the heavy lift industry sees a new and powerful constellation unfold. Jumbo Shipping, the Dutch maritime heavy lift transport and engineering contractor, and SAL Heavy Lift, the German-based breakbulk and project cargo specialist, commence operations with their joint venture as the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. Combining their fleets and all commercial activities, SAL and Jumbo are gearing up to create a new powerhouse in the heavy lift sector.

This is a very proud moment for Jumbo and SAL. Both companies believe that this move propels them to greater geographical outreach and commercial capacity. To serve clients worldwide, the joint venture is the single commercial entry point for its joint sales network of offices and agents in 20+ countries.

Significantly, it handles the complete marketing of 30 highly versatile project cargo vessels with lifting capacities up to 3,000 t SWL, marking it as the largest fleet in the 800+ t sector. This ensures availability, flexibility and the right transport concept at the right time for customers seeking reliable and high-quality shipping solutions.

Michael Kahn, Managing Director of Jumbo Shipping, says: “This joint venture is a big step for both of us. In the past few years, it became increasingly clear that the benefits of collaboration heavily outweigh the traditional way of doing business. Our client base and interests have changed, and to remain an effective global player in our field of activity, you always need to adapt and innovate. Not only on a technical level but also commercially. We believe that the flexibility and competencies that our clients are looking for are best served by SAL’s and Jumbo’s combined assets and knowledge.”

The Jumbo-SAL Alliance stands for the highest QHSE standards, technical excellence, and commercial flexibility. It offers project and semi-liner services to customers worldwide, with the goal of creating a complete maritime transport solution for both breakbulk and specialised transportation scopes worldwide.

Jens Baumgarten, Directorof Chartering at SAL Heavy Lift, adds: “This collaboration allows us to bring an unrivalled shipping product to market. It provides a solid answer to the needs of big contractors and EPCs as well as manufacturers and forwarders. On one side, we can handle regular or spot-market breakbulk cargoes. On the other, we have the experience and the assets to handle immense and long-term scopes, including arranging third-party tonnage or whatever is needed to make good on our ‘one-stop-shop’ promise. Simply said, we want our customers to be happy during and after every project. This way, they will trust us to deliver a new heavy lift solution for them the next time.”

Jumbo Shipping and SAL are highly complementary in terms of fleets and human resources, both ashore and on board, while sharing many of the same values in terms of quality, safety, and solutions focus. This equality makes the joint shipping product easy to combine and market, as customers can expect a quality product irrespective of the vessel executing the shipment. The companies’ traditional focus on safe operations and being a reliable partner is integral to our joint way of working.

Martin Harren, Managing Director of SAL and the Harren & Partner Group, adds: “I truly believe we are creating something extraordinary here. This strategic collaboration combines engineered transport solutions with a significant fleet of heavy lift vessels. The Jumbo-SAL-Alliance stands for the best in heavy lift shipping and in complex global transportation. We have a unique team of highly experienced people which can really create value for our customers. From engineering to full-scope project management, by combining our resources, we can now provide services that literally exceed any other heavy lift service currently in the market. It’s a winner.”

The joint venture was cleared by the German competition authority earlier this month. The two companies share 90+ years of combined experience, are both family-owned and managed and are among the world’s most prominent and technically advanced heavy lift carriers. Note that both SAL and Jumbo continue as independent operators and vessel owners and both remain active brands in the market.

Felix Peinemann, VP Sales Shipping at Jumbo, states: “The Jumbo-SAL-Alliance merges the global chartering and marketing activities of both companies, creating one large, joint sales organisation. Both brands retain their market presence in addition to the new set-up. On a personal note, we have spent much time with our new colleagues in the past months, organising this joint venture, which went very well. I believe that our joint efforts have led to a solid alliance. If the level of cooperation and building relationships in the preparation phase is any measure of success, then the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance will be very successful!”

Month: April 2021

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