Williams Shipping Announces New Finance Director & Promotions

Saturday, 28th June 2025

WILLIAMS SHIPPING APPOINTS GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR AND ANNOUNCES KEY APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS

Leading provider of logistics and marine services Williams Shipping is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee Tybinkowski as Group Finance Director, along with several other key hires and internal promotions, reinforcing the company’s growth ambitions.

Lee joins the Williams Shipping board and brings extensive experience in financial leadership and strategic planning. Lee has significant experience including many years within the Fuel and Lubricants sector as Group Finance Director for another successful South Coast based family business. In this new role, Lee will oversee the Group’s financial operations, driving efficiency and supporting future expansion plans.

In addition, Gee Grewal has been appointed as Head of Marketing and will lead the Group’s marketing strategy, enhancing digital presence, and increasing brand awareness to support growth in line with the Group business plan and strategy.

Within the container arm of the business Willbox, Andrew Deverill has been appointed Head of Operations and will be focusing on efficiencies and implementing software to improve day-to-day operations across the hire, sales and conversions divisions.

Williams Shipping is also pleased to announce the following internal promotions, recognising the dedication and expertise of its team: Samantha Sumpter (Group HR Manager), Daniel Freeman (Head of Business Development), David Nightingale (Senior Operations Manager), Carl Chalkley (Transport Operations Manager), Phil Thompson (Transport Compliance Manager), Jermaine Andrew (Finance Manager) and Courtney Davies (Sales Manager – Willbox).

Jonathan Williams, Managing Director (Logistics), commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Lee to the Leadership Team and the new hires to the business. We are also proud to recognise the achievements of our dedicated colleagues through these well-earned promotions. These appointments and promotions reflect Williams Shipping’s ongoing investment in its people and capabilities as the company continues to expand its services, enhance operational efficiency and deliver exceptional service to our customers”.

As part of its growth strategy, Williams Shipping is accelerating its marine and lubricants division, with plans to extend its current fleet and invest in new technology and software to better serve its customers. To further enhance efficiency in logistics operations, in 2024 Williams Shipping opened a new cargo office located at Dock Gate 20 in partnership with DP World. To support further growth, Williams Shipping has also invested in new handling equipment running on HVO, supporting the ports drive towards net zero.

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Seawork 2025, the 26th edition, was the best yet.

Tuesday, 24th June 2025

Seawork, the leading European commercial marine and workboat exhibition achieved impressive numbers, with 454 exhibitors and 7,832 visitors attending the long-established three-day event. Seawork 2025 is a unique combination of undercover and quayside exhibition space, with vessels and plant afloat on the pontoons and a highly regarded conference programme. Building on the success of this year’s Seawork, the exhibition has secured record-breaking stand re-bookings for 2026.

The plentiful networking opportunities spark new ideas, foster collaborations and create the support required to get projects off the ground. Seawork tackles the current business challenges across the commercial maritime sector, with a strong focus on innovation, decarbonisation, reducing emissions and operating expenses.

Unique Experiences Onboard

One aspect that sets Seawork apart is the unparalleled, hands-on experience it offers. Nowhere else can visitors go onboard and trial such a broad range of vessels, marine plant and equipment in one place, from high-performance RIBs, crew transfer vessels (CTVs), survey and patrol boats, to pilot vessels, harbour tugs, floating pontoons, and heavy-lift cranes. This year, visitors had the opportunity to see Damen’s first all-electric tug, RSD 2513 and RAD Propulsion’s fully electric RIB, the Odyssey 560 Zero. Seawork provides a uniquely immersive, real-world showcase of the latest marine technologies and innovations.

High Value Visitors

With representation from over 60 countries, including near-European neighbours, high-level industry engagement was clear, with a predominance of marine managers, and other C-suite executives. High profile visitors included the CEO of Volvo Penta and senior leadership from John Deere, reflecting Seawork’s strategic value as a place to do business at the top of the sector.

Visitor feedback confirmed the exhibition’s value. This was reflected in increased visit (dwell) times, with nearly half of the visitors making multiple visits across the three-day event.

Other examples include the UK Harbour Masters’ Association AGM, held onsite, which also celebrated its highest-ever attendance. UKHMA has confirmed it will return to Seawork in 2026 to host its AGM again, cementing the event’s importance as a trusted partner and convening platform for key industry bodies.

Seawork Conferences – Share & Learn

The Seawork 2025 conference programme provided a time to share and learn from industry experts and was the most well-attended so far. With busy sessions and expertly curated content, delegates were enthusiastic about the focus and relevance of the topics. Core themes were fuels, decarbonisation and reducing operating expenditure. The UK MOD session was oversubscribed, and sessions from supporting associations such as the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and the Workboat Association also drew high attendances.

Seawork Award Winners Shone

The Seawork Awards also saw their highest attendance to date, celebrating people, innovation and development across the sector. Alongside recognising technological progress and industry excellence, the Awards also shone a spotlight on the next generation of maritime talent. This year,  Sara Kapdi from Carnival was awarded the Young Person’s Development Award, receiving an £850 bursary to support her continued progress in the industry. The Awards provided the perfect networking environment for key players across the sector to connect, collaborate, and celebrate success.

Future Seawork

A prestigious competition supported by Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK), Future Seawork gives current UK university students the opportunity to showcase their ground-breaking projects in the commercial marine sector. The three winning projects were awarded exclusive opportunities for mentorship, funding, and collaboration at the exhibition.

Training & Careers Day

Seawork Careers Day produced with Maritime UK Solent, saw its strongest participation to date, with over 350 students from 24 schools and further education colleges engaging in talks, workshops, real-time apprentice-level competitions and networking as they explored career opportunities in maritime.

This year’s Seawork exhibition was the largest and most impactful so far, hosting a diverse and comprehensive range of exhibitors across the supply chain.

What they said

“Seawork seems to improve as every year goes by. Great show, atmosphere and plenty of great networking went on.” Dale Bradley, Marine Sea Services Ltd,

“Seawork has been great as an opportunity to spread the word around clean maritime and sustainable operations. It is an excellent opportunity for networking.” Andy Hurley, Marine Zero Ltd

“The annual Seawork exhibition is a great maritime event with lots of exciting activities. If your company in maritime sector misses this exciting event, it will be a huge loss!” Samson Onyeabor, Offshore Turbine Services

“First time attending Seawork, was pleasantly surprised with the size of the show and the amount of exhibitors. This is a new market in which we are looking to explore opportunities. Seawork’s proved to be a VERY good show to attend – Already in the diary for next year!” Ryan Manning, DF Capital

Planning is already underway for Seawork 2026. Save the date 9-11 June 2026!

Associated Exhibition:

Seawork / Marine Civils 10-12th June 2025

NR Marine Services and WMD Announce New Cyclone Class CTV

Wednesday, 11th June 2025

Following on from the success of the recent CTV’s, we are delighted to announce that NR Marine Services have engaged WMD to develop the new Cyclone Class CTV.

Building on the proven capabilities of the Storm & Typhoon Class CTV’s, the Cyclone Class will enhance onboard accommodation and welfare facilities, offering a new level of comfort and functionality for offshore operations.

NR Marine’s Storm & Typhoon Class vessels have been designed by WMD and built at Isle of Wight shipyard, Diverse Marine. The Cyclone Class continues NR Marine’s commitment to supporting both UK vessel design and shipbuilding. With an extended 29-metre hull, the Cyclone Class allows for increased internal volume, accommodating up to 6 cabins and 24 passengers.

Key design features include:

– Length: 29 metres

– Deck cargo capacity: 30 tonnes

– Propulsion: 4 x Volvo IPS1050

– Maximum speed: 28 knots

Owen Nutt, Director at NR Marine says “Working with WMD on the new Cyclone range was a no-brainer. Their previous designs have exceeded expectations, and we’re excited to welcome this new vessel into our fleet.”

Nikki Walker, Project Manager at WMD comments “We’ve really enjoyed seeing NR Marine grow since the delivery of their first WMD-designed vessel. Being trusted to help them develop a new class of vessel is a huge compliment, and we look forward to seeing the Cyclone Class take shape and enter operation.”

WMD will be exhibiting at Seawork on Stand G19 from 10–12 June 2025 in Southampton. NR Marine will be showcasing their new vessel, NR HUNTER, at Berth VB22 alongside Diverse Marine.

Associated Listing:

NR Marine Services

Prior Power Solutions Launches Grimsby Base

Thursday, 5th June 2025

Prior Power Solutions Launches Grimsby Base to Strengthen Vessel Support in Offshore Wind Sector

In a strategic move to enhance its marine service capabilities, PPS has opened a new base in Grimsby to support the growing demand for vessel maintenance and power system services within the offshore wind industry.

Support for North Sea wind farms

With an established reputation in marine engineering and offshore support, Prior Power Solutions’ new facility will offer specialist servicing, repairs, and parts supply for vessel operators working on key North Sea wind farms. The expansion reflects the company’s commitment to building on its strong track record in supporting marine operations across the UK and internationally.

Grimsby’s location and infrastructure were key factors in the decision. As Europe’s leading offshore wind O&M hub, the port provides unrivalled proximity to major wind projects including Hornsea, Triton Knoll, and Dogger Bank. This geographic advantage ensures reduced transit time for vessels requiring service, minimising downtime and keeping offshore operations on schedule.

The town also boasts a well-established marine infrastructure, with facilities for vessel berthing and lifting—making it an ideal environment for efficient vessel turnaround. The demand for mechanical and engine support services in the area also presented a clear opportunity for Prior Power Solutions to add value.

Local Collaboration

The new base is the result of a local collaboration between PPS, Bacon Engineering Group, and the Port of Grimsby East.

James Rix, Managing Director at Prior Power Solutions, stated: “Grimsby is key to the UK’s offshore wind future, and our presence here enables us to provide fast, expert support to vessel operators. This move not only strengthens our offering but supports the wider supply chain critical to offshore success.”

David Bacon, Managing Director of Bacon Engineering Group said: “We’re proud to support Prior Power Solutions’ arrival in Grimsby. By working in partnership, we’re offering a new, more comprehensive marine support service in what is a vital Operations and Maintenance hub for the UK’s offshore renewables industry. “This will not only strengthen the local marine supply chain but also help support the continued growth of the offshore sector in our region.”

Martyn Boyers, CEO of Port of Grimsby East, commented: “Prior Power Solutions’ investment highlights the confidence industry leaders have in Grimsby’s capability to support offshore energy. It’s another positive step in the town’s maritime evolution.”

The new facility is now operational, supporting vessel operators across the Humber and beyond.

About Prior Power Solutions

Prior Power Solutions is a UK-based Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specialising in nitrogen pumps, fluid pumps, hydraulic power units, coiled tubing equipment, compressors, and generator sets. With over 30 years of expertise, the company provides high-quality equipment and technical support to the offshore, renewables and marine sectors.

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Inland and Coastal reinforces Safety message at Seawork 2025

Thursday, 5th June 2025

Inland and Coastal reinforces Get Onboard Safely message at Seawork 2025

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems, specialists in commercial pontoon infrastructure and CTV berthing solutions, is once again championing its industry focused Get Onboard Safely initiative at Seawork 2025, taking place between 10-12 June at Southampton’s Mayflower Park.

As Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition, Seawork continues to be the key platform for Inland and Coastal to engage with the port and harbour sector, showcasing its engineered solutions for safe, reliable, year-round vessel access.

Prioritising safe crew access

With over two decades of experience working alongside commercial ports, harbours and offshore wind service providers, Inland and Coastal understands that safe access is not only an operational imperative – it’s a commercial necessity.

“Every year we speak to operators who are still working with outdated infrastructure – vertical ladders, makeshift gangways and substandard berthing arrangements. These systems pose significant safety risks and lead to major operational downtime,” says Jon Challis, Head of Business Development at Inland and Coastal.

“Our Get Onboard Safely campaign is focused on helping operators modernise their approach. From our floating pontoon systems to tailored gangways and edge protection, we provide engineered solutions designed around the real-world needs of commercial users.”

Seawork also offers an invaluable opportunity for the Inland and Coastal team to connect with industry professionals, listen to their operational challenges and gather direct feedback on how existing access systems are performing in the field. These insights play a key role in informing ongoing product development, allowing Inland and Coastal to refine its pontoon and gangway designs to further enhance safety, durability and long-term value for commercial operators.

Living Seawalls: building for biodiversity

This year’s show will also see the return of Jess Allen, PhD student at the University of Plymouth, who will be speaking about the Living Seawalls initiative. Her talk is scheduled for Tuesday 10th June, offering a commercially relevant perspective on how port infrastructure can be designed to support marine biodiversity without compromising performance or durability.

In partnership with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Reef Design Lab, the Living Seawalls programme uses concrete panels to mimic natural marine habitats. Inland and Coastal manufactures these in Ireland using reclaimed waste material from its own pontoon and breakwater production facility – an innovative example of circular, low-impact economy principles.

Come and visit us at the show

Visitors are warmly invited to stop by Stand B13 in the Main Hall to meet the Inland and Coastal team, grab a free Guinness and chat through their berthing and pontoon requirements. Whether you’re planning a new installation or retrofitting an existing berth, the team will be available throughout the show to discuss how to improve safe access to vessels 24/7.

Interested in enhancing the ecological value of your marine infrastructure? Jess and the team will also be on hand for informal conversations around Living Seawalls, its application and how you can future-proof your port assets.

Associated Listing:

Energy Solutions UK Launch SmartSwitch DC4

Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

Energy Solutions UK Ltd Transforms DC Power Control with Launch of Victron Cerbo-Compatible SmartSwitch DC4

Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd, a leading provider of innovative power solutions for marine and vehicle applications, has unveiled its latest breakthrough: the SmartSwitch DC4 Load Controller. Designed to streamline DC power management, the SmartSwitch DC4 marks a significant advancement in digital switching technology.

The product has been developed with Victron and is natively supported by the Victron Cerbo GX. The SmartSwitch DC4 simplifies wiring and enhances system control. By replacing traditional switch panels and complex wiring, it offers users a cleaner, more efficient solution. A single communication cable connects the unit to the Cerbo GX. This enables seamless, screen-based operation of DC lighting, appliances, and equipment. The unit can also be controlled remotely via Victron VRM.

Ideal for use in boats, RVs, and specialist vehicles, the SmartSwitch DC4 allows for fully customisable control and real-time load monitoring, setting a new standard for convenience and integration in DC power systems. Take command of your 12V or 24V power system with intelligence and ease. The SmartSwitch DC4 represents the next generation of DC power distribution, replacing cumbersome relays and complex wiring with a streamlined, intelligent control solution.

Paul Holland, Managing Director of Energy Solutions, stated, “Our development team created the SmartSwitch DC4 to allow customers to add a networked switching system that is integrated into their Victron eco-system. SmartSwitch offers one-touch, screen-based control while streamlining DC power management and wiring for our customers.” He continued, “Thanks to its simple installation and native integration with Victron systems, the SmartSwitch DC4 is ideally suited to enhance DC power setups in both marine vessels and recreational vehicles. We encourage boat builders, OEMs, and users to discover how SmartSwitch can improve their power management systems. The controls can be accessed locally – or remotely via Victron VRM.”

Key Features and Benefits:

5amps per channel each (15amps max per module overall)

Digital fuse setting for each channel

Channels can be latching, momentary or dimming.

Channels can be grouped on cards

Simplified Wiring: Single cable for control and communication.

Intuitive One-Touch Control: Effortless operation of DC loads.

Customisable Control & Monitoring: Tailor the system to specific needs.

Seamless Victron Cerbo GX Integration: Plug-and-play compatibility.

Eliminates Manual Switches & Relays: Reduces complexity and potential failure points.

Enhanced Reliability: Solid-state design for increased durability.

About Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd:

Energy Solutions is a leader in supplying fully integrated power, monitoring and control systems. With 30 years collaborating with numerous OEMs to develop systems for super yachts, specialist vehicles, and land-based equipment. Their expertise and ability to work with client specifications and in-house engineering teams have established Energy Solutions as a leading provider in the field.

Energy Solutions UK Ltd

www.energy-solutions.co.uk

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Celebrating 90 Years of Kort Propulsion!

Monday, 2nd June 2025

🎉 Celebrating 90 Years of Kort Propulsion! ⚓

2025 marks a major milestone for Kort Propulsion – 90 years of powering the global marine industry through innovation, reliability, and trusted partnerships. Since 1935, from the invention of the original Kort Nozzle to today’s advanced propulsion and manoeuvring solutions, we’ve proudly supported shipyards, operators, and designers across the world.

We’re also proud to celebrate this journey alongside our valued partners:
🔹 Hercules Hatches
🔹 Fernstrum Keel Coolers
🔹 Weka Boxcoolers

To mark our 90th anniversary, we’ll be celebrating at three international exhibitions this year, and we’d love to see you there:

📍 Tomis Maritime Expo – Constanta, Romania | 20–23 May
📍 Seawork – Southampton, UK | 10–12 June
📍 Inmex India – Mumbai | 18–20 September

About Kort Propulsion

Kort Propulsion, a UK-based company with over 90 years of experience, is a pioneer in the marine industry. The company is best known for developing the Kort Nozzle in the 1930s, a crucial innovation that significantly improved propeller efficiency. As a single-source provider, they offer a comprehensive suite of propulsion and manoeuvring devices for a wide variety of vessels, from small boats to large ships.

Their product and service offerings are extensive, including the design and supply of essential components like nozzles, propellers, rudders, bearings, and stern gear. They also specialise in unique products such as their own range of tunnel thrusters and small steerable propulsion systems. Beyond just manufacturing and supply, Kort Propulsion provides popular consultancy services, particularly for smaller shipyards and boat builders. They perform detailed calculations to guarantee vessel performance and have developed specialised systems, like the Kort XL, which helps the fishing industry achieve significant fuel savings.

The company’s core mission is to deliver high-quality equipment and exceptional service to ensure its clients’ vessels meet or surpass performance expectations. Their commitment to ongoing research and development positions them to continue pioneering advancements in the next generation of marine propulsion technology.

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Month: June 2025

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