Three Wins in Three Markets – The SMS Group Faces the Challenges of Growth Within its Outfit Business

Wednesday, 25th August 2021

The SMS Group has begun its FY21/22 period with a particularly buoyant first six weeks – the company has enjoyed major outfit wins in the Cruise, Defence and Superyacht sectors.

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

Darren Smith joined as Head of Business Development only a month ago, and since his arrival, The SMS Group has, under contract, three new major projects in three differing markets.

Darren comments: “The recent wins come on the back of many months of hard work.

“What’s exciting is that all three wins are sizable and that they are in three differing markets, illustrating both our capabilities and our flexibility.

“We have a major yacht project to deliver in Q4 of this year, running into Q1 of next, and we have a huge Defence project to deliver pre-Christmas whilst simultaneously supporting a major Cruise project.

“This revenue makes up a sizable portion of our annual budget and is a testament to the sterling efforts of Dan and the outfit team over the last three years.”

As The SMS Group continues to invest in the outfit vertical of its developing business, the company is clearly upscaling, expanding its footprint inside Associated British Ports Southampton, acquiring new tooling, equipment and temporary storage space, and increasing office space and headcount.

Dan Lockyer, Head of Interiors, comments: “Whilst our growth was foreseeable and very much in line with our business plan, it does create the obvious challenges.

“We need more space, more equipment, and more resource. It’s great to see the business moving into simultaneous, turnkey, delivery whilst maintaining our ethos of ‘cradle to grave’ project management – we all genuinely believe that’s our USP, that’s what sets us apart.”

Dan concluded by saying: “Our growth also impacts our supply chain all of which have been tremendously supportive.

“I’d like to go on the record with a big ‘thank you’ to all our suppliers. Our next significant move is another key hire. We’re looking for an Estimator with outfit experience to join the team; marine experience or shoreside – with a real passion for the outfit sector.

“We’re a young and very capable team hence a good work ethic and sense of humour is ‘mission critical’.

“We’re all very hard working and very focused on both the business plan and our customer base.”

A team effort to meet a customers needs for the next day

Friday, 20th August 2021

The Hydrosand Ltd team at our Widnes branch and Head Office in Nottingham came to the rescue when a Liebherr 984 needed a marine hose very quickly.

The customer had a boom that had snapped in the middle on a Liebherr 984. This was sent away for major repair as it couldn’t be repaired on-site.

Paul Johnston, Branch Manager at our Widnes branch, said: “When the repair was completed, it came back without any hose on it. So, all eyes were on Hydroscand to do the job well and quickly. The hose was required the very next day.

“As almost 60 metres of 1 ½” 420 bar hose was required for this job, we contacted Nigel Townsend, Product/Purchasing Manager at Head office, who organised a same day delivery of the hose. So, the hose was here by 6 pm the same day, which was fantastic.

“Nigel and the team cut the hose to length, and we swaged the ends.”

The next day, Jon Chan, a Mobile Hose Technician, went onsite at 6 am to fit the hose.

Paul said: “The Liebherr 984 Hi-Rise was tested, and Jon stayed with the machine until the customer was happy and the machine was given the thumbs up. The Liebherr 984 was then taken to the quayside to load scrap onto the ships.

“I must point out that it was a fantastic effort by everyone at Head office, and at our branch to have this job ready for the next day.”

United by the oceans, united by technology and science

Friday, 20th August 2021

United by the oceans, united by technology and science

Oceanology International is bringing together the ocean science and tech community in March 2022 for the World’s leading ocean tech and science event.

The 2022 event will be special – not only the first ocean tech event in 2022 but also the first opportunity to meet face to face in 2022.

Oi is the event to meet your next collaborator, the event to meet existing and new clients and the event that is optimised for networking.

As a supporter of Oi the SMI will be at the event to provide support, meet members and network. We are excited about the prospect of attending and look forward to learning in the technical conferences, engaging with the dockside demonstrations and enjoying the opportunity to mix and mingle (safely) with the ocean tech community.

Oceanology International: The Global Event for Ocean Technology and Marine Science

Oceanology International (OI) is the world’s premier event dedicated to ocean technology and marine science, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and researchers from across the globe. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, OI serves as a vital platform for exploring advancements in ocean exploration, monitoring, and sustainability. Hosted biennially, the event attracts a diverse audience from sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, defense, shipping, and marine research.

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology

OI offers a unique opportunity for businesses and organizations to showcase the latest advancements in ocean technology. Attendees can explore a wide range of products and services, including underwater vehicles, sensors, imaging systems, and data collection tools. The event’s exhibition hall features over 500 exhibitors, offering a hands-on experience with the latest innovations in the field.

A Hub for Knowledge Sharing

The event is renowned for its comprehensive conference program, which includes keynote presentations, technical sessions, and panel discussions led by industry experts. These sessions cover critical topics such as ocean conservation, offshore energy, marine robotics, and climate change. The exchange of ideas and expertise at OI helps drive progress in addressing global challenges.

Live Demonstrations and Networking Opportunities

OI also offers live demonstrations of cutting-edge technology in real-world scenarios. From dockside showcases to in-water trials, attendees can witness innovative solutions in action. Additionally, the event facilitates networking, providing a space for professionals, researchers, and policymakers to connect, collaborate, and forge new partnerships.

Global Impact and Sustainability

As the demand for sustainable ocean solutions grows, Oceanology International plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation that aligns with global sustainability goals. For professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of marine science and technology, OI is an unmissable event.

Synthetic Slings within the marine lifting industry

Wednesday, 18th August 2021

Synthetic slings have long been used within the lifting industry due to the ease of use associated with lightweight strength man-made fibres. As loads have increased, fibre technology has had to keep pace with the demands.

As a UK Dyneema partner, English Braids, has been manufacturing rope slings to match these demands. With Dyneema being 8 x stronger than steel (weight for weight) the use of Dyneema has changed the way in which heavy lifting has been approached addressing many specific issues associated with handling and transport.

Our rope slings are typically constructed from 12-strand Dyneema SK78, allowing for slings to be made in longer lengths.

For shorter slings or when tolerances are increased, the use of HMPE round slings has become a viable alternative. Round slings provide a widely accepted lifting option confirming to EN 1492-2.

English Braids: A Leader in High-Performance Ropes and Braids

English Braids is a renowned British manufacturer specialising in the production of high-performance ropes and braids for a variety of industries. With over 50 years of experience, the company has built a reputation for delivering innovative, durable, and reliable solutions tailored to meet the demands of its diverse customer base. Based in the UK, English Braids combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to produce products of exceptional quality.

Comprehensive Product Range

English Braids offers a broad range of rope and braid solutions, serving industries such as marine, industrial, energy, arboriculture, and sports. Their product portfolio includes:

Marine Ropes: High-strength ropes designed for mooring, towing, and rigging, meeting the rigorous demands of commercial and recreational marine applications.
Industrial Ropes: Solutions for lifting, winching, and securing loads, engineered to handle heavy-duty requirements.
Performance Ropes: Specialised ropes for climbing, sailing, and other sports, offering lightweight yet robust designs.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

English Braids prioritises quality at every stage of production, utilising advanced materials such as Dyneema®, polyester, and polypropylene to create ropes that excel in strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. The company continuously invests in research and development, ensuring its products meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Global Reach with Local Expertise

While based in the UK, English Braids serves clients across the globe, offering tailored solutions that address specific industry requirements. Their commitment to customer service ensures that clients receive expert advice and support throughout the selection and application process.

Sustainability

English Braids is dedicated to environmental responsibility, incorporating sustainable practices and materials wherever possible.

JW Automarine Ltd welcome new and existing customers to their stand at the Offshore Technology Conference 2021

Wednesday, 18th August 2021

This is yet another positive step forward for PVC & PU fabric specialist manufacturer JWA, as they push to ensure both end users and supply chain partners globally are aware of their range of products and services.

While industry has suffered through the effects of COVID-19, JWA’s expansion and development have continued to ensure it is best placed to meet its customers’ requirements moving forward.

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.

Having launched our JWA HIRE division in 2020, other investments have seen a rebranding of the business, a new website, and investment in the company’s business infrastructure, including HIRE-specific asset management software.

We will be displaying examples of our original Water Weight Load Test Bags, our market-leading Subsea Lift Bags & Buoyancy and examples of our Custom manufacturing ability.

On the stand will be JWA Ltd Sales Manager for the Americas – Jon Goodyear, was supported remotely by Commercial Director – Peter Evans.

JW Automarine: Specialists in Inflatable Solutions for the Marine Industry

JW Automarine is a leading UK-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality inflatable solutions for the marine industry and beyond. With decades of experience, the company has established a strong reputation for innovation, durability, and exceptional craftsmanship. Located in Essex, JW Automarine serves clients across various sectors, including maritime, defence, aerospace, and industrial applications.

Innovative Inflatable Solutions

The company offers a comprehensive range of products, all expertly crafted to meet demanding operational requirements. Key offerings include:

Inflatable Buoyancy Systems: Essential for marine salvage, lifting operations, and underwater maintenance tasks.
Inflatable Rescue Equipment: Designed for emergency response and life-saving applications in harsh marine environments.
Custom-Made Inflatable Products: Tailored to meet specific client needs, including air cells, lifting bags, and bespoke industrial solutions.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

JW Automarine prides itself on delivering products that are robust, reliable, and built to last. Their inflatables are manufactured using premium materials, such as heavy-duty fabrics, ensuring resistance to wear, tear, and harsh environmental conditions. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet international safety and quality standards.

JW Automarine Serving a Global Market

With a focus on customer satisfaction, JW Automarine provides tailored solutions and exceptional service to clients worldwide. Their expertise extends to supporting industries such as offshore oil and gas, commercial shipping, and emergency services, ensuring the right solution for every application.

Sustainability and Innovation

The company is dedicated to incorporating sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes while continuing to innovate. They aim to balance performance with environmental responsibility.

For high-performance inflatable solutions trusted by professionals, JW Automarine is a global leader. Learn more at JW Automarine.

Motive Offshore Group Leads Motive Contract Win

Wednesday, 18th August 2021

Motive Offshore Group (Motive), specialists in the design, manufacture, rental and inspection of marine and lifting equipment has announced a major contract win for its Hose Integrity service line.

Based within the company’s Spooling and Inspection division and led by hose integrity technical authority Graham Harper, the contract – which was awarded by an international EPCI provider – will comprise the global management, inspection and supply of flexible hose assemblies.

The eight-month project, which includes the option of an annual extension, builds upon a fruitful year so far for the Group and sees the Hose Integrity service line double its number of expert technicians.

Graham Harper, Hose Integrity Manager, comments: “This contract award is the result of the professionalism and multi-skilled background of our technicians, together with our proven track record as suppliers of highly efficient, effective hose integrity management solutions.

“It’s also reflective of Motive’s drive to deliver a complete solution across the lifecycle of any project as we continue to complement and support the work undertaken by our colleagues across the Rentals, Engineering, and Spooling and Inspection divisions.”

Ally Forbes, Motive Offshore Group Spooling and Inspection Division Managing Director adds: “It is incredibly encouraging to see our Hose Integrity service go from strength to strength, particularly under Graham’s expert leadership, which draws upon his significant global experience within the hose integrity management sector.

“As a contributor to the Energy Institute guidelines for the management of flexible hose assemblies, Graham is, quite rightly, regarded across the industry as a leading authority in this field. His appointment reinforces our ongoing objective to provide the very best in service and innovative solutions to our global client base.”

Large Underwater Grab Attachments for Subsea use

Thursday, 12th August 2021

Approved Hydraulics have been supplying the underwater engineering industry for the past few years with great success into the UK market.

We were approached recently by Seanic Ocean Systems (one of our larger/regular underwater customers) to quote for a large underwater polyp grab for Boulder Recovery from the bottom of the ocean.

Working closely with the customer, we finalised the details of the attachment requirements along with some of the finer details such as flange connection, paint specification, number of jaws required and so on.

We suggest a 3000 litre 5 tine polyp grab with full underwater specification. (no rotation required)

Once the order was received, the grab was manufactured by an Approved Hydraulics manufacturer in Italy to the agreed specifications discussed

The Grab was delivered to the customer around the agreed delivery time and ready to go to work for many years to come.

Onwards and Downwards (to the sea floor)

Many thanks to Seanic Ocean Systems for this unique opportunity to supply such a specialist attachment.

Accelerating marine digital transition with major new software release

Tuesday, 10th August 2021

James Fisher Mimic (JFM) launches significant upgrade to condition monitoring technology for global maritime and marine defence sectors.

JFM launches Mimic 5, the latest version of its condition monitoring (CM) system.
Developed to accommodate big data, Mimic 5 is cloud-based, compatible with a wide range of data collection methods and fully fleet-enabled.
Mimic 5’s new features and enhanced capabilities will further improve vessel reliability, increase uptime, enhance safety and save maintenance costs.

Trusted by leading cruise vessel owners, prominent global commercial ship operators, and the UK’s Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Mimic is renowned for its powerful ability to seamlessly capture, connect and combine any vessel data. This data provides actionable insights into machinery health and performance on any fleet, anywhere in the world and at any time. Mimic 5 represents a significant upgrade of JFM’s leading condition monitoring technology, with new features and enhanced capabilities to further improve vessel reliability, increase uptime, enhance safety and save maintenance costs.

Through automated, online and wireless data collection from vibration sensors, process sensors and vessel control systems, Mimic 5 enables condition and performance monitoring of machinery, vessels and fleets. The technology analyses vibration data, fluid quality, performance and efficiency to inform a data-driven proactive maintenance strategy. Driven by client feedback, Mimic 5 is fully fleet-enabled, meaning clients and navies with fleets around the world can compare vessel data within one central platform – improving reliability and increasing uptime.

Aligning with emerging technologies and techniques within the maritime and military sectors, Mimic 5 is capable of viewing big data in a cross-platform, browser-based application with an improved high-performance data visualisation interface. Fully compatible with cloud-based environments, Mimic 5 is paving the way for a holistic maintenance approach, reducing maintenance, increasing efficiency and saving money.

Paul Mount, general manager at JFM says:

“Mimic 5 has been several years in the planning and has been created following close and extensive engagement with our customers to ensure Mimic 5 provides significant benefit and even more compelling value, helping vessel owners and operators on their digitalisation journey from a maintenance perspective.

The technology has been designed and developed in-house by our own software development team, allowing us to ensure we deliver yet more reliable and robust software, one which can accommodate big data, is cloud-based and is compatible with a wide range of data collection possibilities, making it really this and next generation ready.”

Moving towards predictive maintenance strategies and improving the overall health and performance of individual vessels and fleets will help to reduce environmental impact – supporting the push for operators to implement digital solutions.

JFM forms part of James Fisher Asset Information Services (AIS), the Group’s digital centre of excellence, with a team of data scientists and AI specialists. AIS drives innovation, designs and deploys new value-adding technologies to its global maritime and oil and gas clients.

Director of Business Development Appointed Calvey Marine

Thursday, 5th August 2021

Calvey Marine is delighted to announce that they have recently appointed a new Director of Business Development, Jessica Black, as of 1st August 2021.

Jessica joined Calvey in 2018 as a senior project manager with a project and account management background. She has immensely enjoyed continuing and growing Calvey’s strong relationship with their valued Principals and Clients and investigating new opportunities for the marine industry with tenacity and enthusiasm.

Whilst seeking out opportunities for Calvey Marine’s Principals, providing exceptional service and project management to clients and building the Calvey brand are Jessica’s ‘bread-and-butter’, she is never happier than when hands-on in the ballast tanks overseeing a drydocking or hosting one of her quarterly industry seminars.

We look forward to seeing where Jessica’s career will take her and have no doubt that the future of Calvey Marine remains very bright.

Collaboration brings economy boost to Fowey Harbour

Tuesday, 3rd August 2021

Fowey Harbour, on the south coast of Cornwall, is set to receive an economy boost following the recent 180m extension to its walk ashore pontoon berthing. The new berths will diversify the commercial activity in the harbour, increasing its appeal as a haven for all manner of local boats and cruising yachts.

A collaboration between pontoon manufacturer, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS), local marine civils contractor, KML Piling and Fowey Harbour Commissioners, this project highlights just how effective companies working together can be in delivering great value for money.

With the harbour team acting as project managers, co-ordinating the piling and installation of the pontoons themselves, big savings were made, maximising the length and number of new berths possible and leading to long-term profitable income from the investment.

ICMS designed and supplied its standard leisure pontoons with a unique solid composite anti-slip decking. Providing a fresh new look and feel, with unbeatable durability, the new pontoons were made with special adaptations to connect them to the existing units, optimising the limited space in the harbour.

“Working together, we’ve been able to deliver Fowey Harbour more berths for their budget,” says Jon Challis, sales manager at ICMS. “Everyone contributed their particular skills and knowledge to best effect. We were able to focus on the production of the pontoons which needed to be delivered within a very specific time frame.”

Deputy harbour master, Jonathan Pritchard, comments: “Communications between all involved were second to none. This meant that we were able to get the pontoons delivered, off loaded and installed with no impact on the port’s other commercial activities. Utilising the resources we have available here in the harbour, we were able to avoid costly mobilisation by external contractors, saving time as well as money.

“We’re really pleased with the new berths which will really help boost the local economy, in fact, they’ve all been snapped up already. Our new berth holders are particularly impressed with the stability of the pontoons and have commented on the glass-reinforced concrete decking, which they tell me feels much better underfoot than the wooden decking they’re used to.”

To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options visit https://inlandandcoastal.com or email sales@inlandandcoastal.com

For more information on Fowey Harbour visit https://foweyharbour.co.uk

Month: August 2021

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