Somers Forge Invest £1million in New CNC Vertical Borer

Thursday, 3rd February 2022

Since July 2021, Somers Forge have been adding to their impressive machine shop by investing over £ 1 million on new CNC Vertical Borer. This investment has been made from their continued success in the marine sector, the investment will further increase their machining capabilities and capacity.

By adding this machine to their unrivalled range of lathes, it will allow Somers Forge to continue to exceed in producing quality finished machined components. After a three-month building process, the new CNC vertical borer is up and running and with the capability to machine diameters up to 25100mm! As well as bringing Somers a new grinding capability.

Somers Forge is a leading open die forge, suppling items from black forgings to critical finished components across sectors including nuclear.

The Workings of a Verticle Borer

A CNC Vertical Borer is a highly advanced machine tool used primarily for precision machining of large, heavy components. Unlike traditional lathes, which rotate the workpiece horizontally, a vertical borer positions the workpiece vertically, allowing for enhanced stability and access when machining large and heavy parts. This configuration is especially advantageous for items like engine casings, turbine components, large gears, and other substantial items that demand high precision and stability.

The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) capability adds a layer of automation, ensuring that the borer operates with exceptional accuracy and consistency. Programs guide the cutting, boring, and shaping processes, allowing the machine to perform complex operations in a fraction of the time manual work would require. CNC Vertical Borers are commonly used in industries like aerospace, marine, oil and gas, and heavy engineering, where precision-machined parts are essential for performance and safety.

At Somers Forge, the newly introduced CNC Vertical Borer can accommodate large-scale workpieces, providing enhanced capacity for tackling complex projects with efficiency. This machine enables Somers Forge to produce components that meet exacting specifications, helping clients achieve durability and optimal performance in their applications.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd named double finalist at Somerset Business Awards 2022

Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd has been announced as a finalist in two categories at the Somerset Business Awards 2022 – ‘Best Use of Technology’ and ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer’ Award.

The awards, run annually by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, received a record-breaking number of entries and only the most outstanding businesses that Somerset has to offer have been named finalists.

Rotec’s business ethos is to embrace new and emerging technologies, in order to provide their clients with robust and innovative solutions such as Hydraulic Power Packs. Their investment in Parker Internet of Things (IoT) technology has earned them a place at the grand final in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ award category.

IoT enables engineers to remotely control and monitor various performance and safety parameters using strategically placed, wireless sensors to provide data and control systems over the internet.

IoT technology can lead to a reduction in downtime, better response rates and speed of intervention for predictive maintenance. For more, visit the Rotec website.

Named finalist for the ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer of the year’ category at this years’ awards is testament to Rotec’s innovative development of several bespoke winch systems for both leading regional and national names within the Utilities sector. Rotec is proud to have a team with diverse skill sets and capabilities including specialist design engineers, allowing them to be able to deliver on such challenging projects.

Somerset Chamber Executive Director, Emma Rawlings, said,
“These awards are the largest in Somerset and are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is great about [Somerset’s] diverse business community and I’m looking forward to the grand final next month.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, commented,

“We’re delighted to be announcing Rotec has been named a double finalist at the 2022 Somerset Business Awards. We have been named among the most innovative and forward-thinking businesses operating in the county.

“Being named finalist in two categories is a testament to our fantastic, and diverse team of employees who have continued to provide solutions and outstanding products and services to our customers throughout a challenging period for all businesses.

“We are extremely proud to have been named finalists for two Somerset Business awards. Investing in and utilising cutting-edge technologies and providing innovative solutions for our clients has always been at the heart of our business.”

This year is the 17th anniversary of the awards with the grand final taking place at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare, on 11th March, hosted by BBC presenter and journalist, Claire Carter.

Investment in Nottingham Increases Capacity and Improves Customer Service!

Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

Hydroscand Ltd recently installed a new production line at our Nottingham branch which is now fully operational.

Jason Byrne, Branch Manager and Deb Wardle, Assistant Branch Manager at our Nottingham branch, explain why we needed a new production line.

“As our business has grown considerably over the past 12 months. It became apparent that to continue to provide our excellent levels of customer service and efficiency, we would need to invest in restructuring our team and equipment.

“We decided that the most suitable long-term solution would be to create a space, within the right-hand side of the warehouse. This would allow us to install an additional production area, that could be used solely to produce hose kits and hose assemblies for our Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers.”

Once the area had been identified, the products and racking were cleared to give a blank canvas to work with. The necessary machines and equipment were then ordered.

“Over the course of the next 2-3 weeks, we had many exciting deliveries that arrived. These included: two new cutters, plenty of hose rail and stands to create the two production lines, a H120 swaging machine and a brand new H60 swaging machine, with a 350-ton crimping force for hoses up to 4” diameter. We also installed a new turntable and crane lift.

“There was a lot of electrical work that needed to be installed, to enable both 240v and three phase machines to work, as well as a new extractor system. All machines and electrics were in place after about six weeks.”

The decision was made to paint the floor to finish off the new install. The team applied three coats of Epoxy Floor Paint over a weekend.

“Once this was cured, we were able to create areas for components, kitting and completed orders prior to shipment. After 8 weeks we were finally set to make use of this fantastic new investment.

“The introduction of the lines has meant that we can use the equipment in the branch area purely for our walk-in customers at the trade counter, meaning that we can provide a fast, efficient and uninterrupted service.

“The production side of the business has continued to grow, and the new dedicated lines have been in constant use every working day since being installed.”

Jason added: “It has made the process of making hoses and hose kits faster and more efficient.”

Rebecca Galley, Managing Director added, “It has been great to work with the team on this project. They have identified the need for dedicated production space and designed the solution themselves. The new facility gives more than double the capacity we had previously as well as meaning we can work safely and efficiently to serve our customers. Well done to everyone involved!”

180 Tonne Super Grid Transformers Delivered to Neart na Gaoithe Wind Farm

Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

Following on from the delivery of two 160 Tonne shunt reactors for Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm, Collett complete stage two of the project, delivering two 180 Tonne super grid transformers to the onshore substation.

As with the first stage of the project, Collett was appointed to provide a door-to-door service for both super grid transformers. Once again working with their trusted partners, Collett transported the loads from the client’s factory to port ahead of their journey to the UK.

Shipping into the Port of Sunderland, the two transformers were discharged from the vessel using a 550t strut crane and landed onto their 14-row flat top trailer with all works under Collett scope of responsibility.

Collett’s Projects Department chartered a Terra Marique ro/ro barge for the second stage of the transport project. Utilising the vessel’s hydraulic roadway, each of the loaded trailers were safely driven onto the vessel by the Collett Team and secured for the onward 20-hour voyage to the jetty at EDF UK’s Torness Power Station in East Lothain. On arrival, Collett were once again on hand to undertake the transport operations.

Having rolled the two transformers from the vessel on day 1 of this stage of the operation, both units were transported out of the power station on consecutive days for the five-mile trip to the onshore substation site. Travelling under Collett private escort and with road closures in place on the A1 between 6am – 6:30am, Collett travelled the short distance North to the Innerwick junction. Here, with the permission of East Lothian Council and under a traffic management plan, both transformers were transported with rolling road closures on the minor roads to facilitate safe passage to site.

The trailers departed Torness and transited the A1 under the pull of a single 8×4 tractor unit. On reaching the Innerwick junction, Collett added a second tractor unit at the rear providing additional traction, travelling in a push/pull formation. This formation was then strengthened on final approach with a third tractor unit, effectively double-heading the combination along the two and a half mile internal challenging track to the construction site.

Delivering over two consecutive days, and with adverse weather conditions having an impact on the accessibility of the site roads, for the second of the transformers, the Collett Team employed a fourth tractor unit to complete delivery. With one unit pushing the loaded 14 row flat bed and three to pull, provided the required traction to deliver the final 180 Tonne super grid transformer to the desired location.

Having delivered the super grid transformers to the substation site, both were offloaded and installed onto their respective bunds by Collett Heavy Lift, utilising specialist hydraulic jacking and skidding equipment and completing stage two of the project.

The Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm, jointly owned by EDF Renewables and ESB, will feature up to 64 turbines and with a planned capacity of 450MW, will be capable of powering up to 391,000 homes.

New website for WhisperPower

Friday, 28th January 2022

WhisperPower has recently launched a new website. The 7-language website has an attractive, modern design with easy navigation and comprehensive information about the delivery program, which consists of more than 1000 articles. The market sectors in which WhisperPower is active are well highlighted. The site reflects the company’s strategy that focuses on its three main pillars: the OctoPower zero to low emission systems, the compact and silent low emission diesel generators up to 50 kVA power and the listing of the premium power products, power storage items and other basic components to put together a high quality electrical system.

The site is set up in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and Chinese. In a later stage, more language versions will follow so that the user can be served in the local language in all export countries where sales and service take place.

A handy tool is the PDF generator, with which the specifications of each product or system can be downloaded in the form of a PDF document.

“2022 will be an important year for WhisperPower. The new website will further accelerate our growth, which reached almost 40% last year. The ongoing digitalisation of the company is also reflected in the development of the smart WhisperCare 2.0 monitoring and control software that will enable global access to all our systems and products in the presence of a 4G network or a good internet connection. This can result in huge cost savings for owners and operators”, says Roel ter Heide, CEO and founder of WhisperPower.

New e-Commerce site for LGH Marine Lifting Equipment Rental

Friday, 28th January 2022

LGH, one of the UK’s leading Marine lifting equipment hire companies, has launched its new e-Commerce website that allows customers to rent from its wide range of equipment wherever and whenever they want, with delivery direct to any site in the UK or offshore engineering project.

It is another step change for LGH Marine Lifting Equipment as it continues to respond to growing client demand for convenience, choice and more flexible ways of renting equipment.

The site, which is aimed at small to medium-sized business customers as well as larger clients, will enable them to order what they want, when they want, from hundreds of products in LGH’s extensive range including hoists and modular spreader beams to hydraulic equipment and material handling.

It will also facilitate live product availability, accurate pricing, order history and next day delivery. The core purpose is to give customers more choice, control and 24/7 convenience. Creating an easy user experience has also been central to the launch as LGH works continuously on optimising its customers’ purchasing journeys and streamlining its own internal processes.

Rob Halliwell, Group Transformation Director, – said: “LGH has been customer-centric since its inception so our move to online rental is a logical step in ensuring that we can add value for our customers through efficiency and ease.

The launch of our new e-Commerce website is an exciting step in the way we operate. It’s all about giving options, flexibility and most importantly choice to our customers.

We are confident it will be well received and will become a central part of our sales operations moving forward.”

About LGH Marine Lifting Equipment

LGH Lifting Equipment is a leading provider of lifting and rigging solutions, offering a wide range of equipment for hire across the UK and Europe. With decades of experience, LGH specializes in providing high-quality, reliable lifting gear that meets stringent safety standards for various industries, including construction, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Their equipment inventory includes hoists, jacks, hydraulic tools, rigging equipment, load cells, and custom lifting solutions, all designed to handle both standard and complex lifting requirements.

Known for their commitment to safety, LGH Marine Lifting Equipment ensures that all equipment undergoes rigorous testing and inspection, offering clients peace of mind and dependable performance. Additionally, LGH’s expert team provides support in equipment selection, project planning, and onsite troubleshooting, ensuring that clients have the right tools for efficient and safe lifting operations.

LGH’s rental model allows companies to access premium lifting equipment without the overhead costs of ownership, making it an ideal solution for both short-term projects and longer, demanding applications. With strategically located rental centers and a comprehensive service network, LGH is equipped to quickly respond to project needs across the UK and Europe, making it a trusted partner in the lifting industry.

Brimmond Group announces new distribution deals with Heila Marine Cranes and KAMAT across the UK and Ireland

Monday, 24th January 2022

Brimmond Group announces new distribution deals with Heila Marine Cranes and KAMAT across the UK and Ireland.

Brimmond Group, the Aberdeenshire-based provider of hydraulic, lifting and mechanical equipment and services, has announced an exclusive deal to become the official UK and Ireland distributor for Heila Marine Cranes (Heila).

Heila is a global leader in the manufacture of specialist heavy-duty cranes with over 700 customers worldwide. Through the agreement, Brimmond Group is the exclusive provider and servicer of Heila marine cranes and crane parts across existing and future UK and Ireland customers.

This follows a prosperous 2021 for the engineering company which saw it celebrate its 25th anniversary and announce four new contracts totalling £1.75 million.

Engineering Director for Brimmond Group, Tom Murdoch, said: “Heila is a strong strategic fit for us, and we’re excited to kick off the new year with this announcement. We’re confident this will allow us to offer an even higher level of service to our customers, providing a greater product range and enhanced delivery options.

“Heila primarily manufactures marine cranes, so this agreement supports us in our growth by widening access to additional marine focused markets, such as defence, aquaculture and renewable energy, while still providing a high-quality product and service to our existing energy sector customers.”

Echoing this sentiment, Heila Managing Director, Dario Ricci sees Brimmond Group as an effective UK and Ireland representative: “Heila and Brimmond Group share the same values, in particular a focus on offering value to customers. This partnership ensures all customers in the UK and Ireland benefit from excellence in engineering, manufacturing and technical servicing.”

The agreement has also supported Brimmond Group to grow its crane sales team, with the addition of Stuart Gilligan, Heila’s previous UK distributor.

Tom continued: “We’re really pleased to welcome Stuart, a trusted and well-known voice in the industry, to the team as a Senior Sales Manager. He joins Paul Dingwall, Technical Sales Manager for Marine Cranes and together they offer our customers over 30 years of expertise, experience and stellar service.”

Another standout deal for Brimmond Group sees the company introduce a new product line by becoming the UK and Ireland distributor and servicer for KAMAT within the oil and gas, marine, aquaculture, and renewable sectors. KAMAT is a globally leading provider of specialist high pressure pump technology.

Tom said: “Our agreement with KAMAT allows us to provide our customers with a superior product, offering higher quality, better durability and longer intervals between servicing.”

Previously, Brimmond Group was the UK distributor for Effer cranes. The company will continue to offer servicing and support to existing Effer customers in the UK and Ireland

M2M Fenders International B.V. now trading with a new website

Friday, 21st January 2022

About M2M Fenders International B.V

M2M Fenders International is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality marine fender systems, specializing in solutions that offer robust protection for vessels, ports, and marine facilities worldwide.

Based in the Netherlands, M2M Fenders combines industry expertise with innovation to deliver durable and efficient fender solutions that meet the unique requirements of each marine environment.

Their products are designed to protect marine structures and vessels from impact damage during berthing, docking, and mooring operations, making them essential for safe and efficient port operations.

M2M Fenders offers an extensive range of fender products, including pneumatic fenders, foam-filled fenders, and fixed fender systems. Pneumatic fenders are known for their adaptability, as they provide soft, flexible, and effective impact absorption.

These fenders are particularly beneficial for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and ship-to-quay berthing, making them a preferred choice for large vessels like tankers, LNG carriers, and bulk carriers.

Foam-filled fenders, on the other hand, offer a solid, unsinkable construction that provides dependable performance in rugged conditions, making them suitable for various marine applications, including oil and gas terminals, naval ports, and harbors.

Beyond their product offerings, M2M Fenders International places a strong emphasis on customization, allowing clients to select materials, sizes, and specifications that best suit their project requirements.

The company’s engineering team works closely with customers to develop tailored fender systems that align with their specific operational needs, environmental conditions, and safety requirements.

M2M Fenders also provides comprehensive services that encompass installation, maintenance, and after-sales support to ensure fender systems remain in top condition throughout their lifecycle.

The company’s dedication to quality is evident in their adherence to international standards and rigorous testing procedures, ensuring that all products meet stringent performance and durability criteria.

With a global customer base spanning commercial ports, oil and gas industries, and naval applications, M2M Fenders has established a reputation for reliability, safety, and engineering excellence.

Through innovative designs and customizable solutions, M2M Fenders International continues to protect valuable marine assets, helping to enhance operational safety and efficiency across the maritime industry.

New Website for M2M Fenders International

The M2M Fenders International website, launched in 2022, serves as a comprehensive resource for clients seeking detailed information on their marine fender systems and services. It provides an easy-to-navigate interface that showcases M2M’s extensive product range, including in-depth descriptions of their pneumatic, foam-filled, and fixed fender solutions.

Each product page includes technical specifications, ideal use cases, and benefits, helping clients make informed decisions based on their project needs.

Additionally, the website highlights M2M’s commitment to customisation and client collaboration, detailing the design and engineering process to create tailored fender systems. Visitors can also find sections on the company’s industry certifications, quality standards, and rigorous testing protocols, underscoring M2M’s dedication to safety and durability.

For clients seeking additional support, the website offers a dedicated contact section where users can directly connect with the M2M team for technical inquiries, quotes, or support. The regularly updated news section keeps clients informed about the latest innovations, projects, and advancements at M2M Fenders International, establishing it as an informative and valuable platform for current and prospective customers in the marine industry.

Don’t forget both UK and Dutch companies are trading side by side www.m2mfenders.eu and we are happy to work with you through either company.

Marine Services (SW) Ltd focuses on dredging for 2022

Tuesday, 18th January 2022

Marine Services Ltd has a history of local dredging work in the Port of Plymouth. Our most recent project was a complicated job that required a novel approach and much problem-solving to access a confined area with various obstructions. The key was to find a way to dredge the area without removing the pontoons.

As a leading marine contractor, in 2020 MSL was approached to find a solution to a dredging problem; some pockets within the maintained areas could not be accessed by conventional dredging plant (e.g. TSHD, grab dredger, backhoe dredger, plough boat, etc) as the physical area was too small and there were underwater obstructions (e.g. reno mat, anchor blocks, pontoons etc).

MSL had to design a bespoke set-up using a submersible pump to pump the accumulated silt from the confined area to an adjacent maintained area which was used as a temporary discharge area.

This resulted in a project to design, build, and test a one-off item produced for this specific purpose. A specialised jetting dredge pump and hydraulic hoses had to be adapted to fit onto the arm of a 14-tonne-long reach excavator in place of a bucket; this then had to be mounted onto a barge to access a restricted area.

MSL designed and fabricated the needed specialised adapter bracket. The issues were that the pump had to be securely fitted, manoeuvrable, and hydraulics adapted and installed to be operated by the excavator.

Most importantly, the pump had to be able to be manoeuvred so that it could dredge underneath pontoons in situ, i.e. it had to be able to be angled at 90 degrees when necessary and also continue to pump efficiently. This needed careful adjustments and setting up of the jetting and hydraulic system to cope with the job requirements.

The work was successfully completed in 2021.

Marine Services (SW) Ltd has a new addition to our workboat charter fleet that is available for dredging operations, dive operations, port maintenance, and marine civil engineering projects. Originally named Griep 2, this workboat offers the following;

Features:

40t deck crane, 16t aft hoist, 4 point mooring system, dredging grabs 37Kva generator, showers, toilets, crew quarters for 6 persons.

Length overall: 23.8 m x Beam: 8.6 m x Draft: 1.54 m

Propulsion: 2 X Daimler 220 HP, twin Schottel units
No of Propellers: 2

MSL can offer various MCA-coded workboats, barges and work platforms with an experienced crew and qualified engineers to manage a wide range of civil engineering projects.

DLM Custom Multi-Purpose Data Logger for Subsea Equipment Testing

Tuesday, 18th January 2022

Dynamic Load Monitoring (DLM), of Southampton, UK, has provided a custom data logger and subsea measuring technology for use in a new tank where cable protection systems are tested.

Darlington, UK-based Subsea Innovation Limited, a designer of innovative offshore and subsea testing equipment, will primarily use the equipment for testing and verifying their in-house designed subsea equipment such as pipeline repair systems (clamps and connectors), hang-off systems, and other bespoke subsea and offshore equipment.

It will also be used for internal testing for Subsea Innovation’s purpose-designed and built submerged wear test rig. The company also maintains and manufactures deck equipment for cable lay vessels.

This is the second major order that DLM has delivered to the company recently, having provided two bespoke monitoring systems that were installed on subsea bend stiffeners at an offshore wind farm. However, DLM is increasingly responding to demand for bespoke and standard solutions from similar maritime technology and marine electronics companies.

Martin Halford, managing director at DLM, said: “We’re putting together systems like this with increasing regularity—incorporating load cells with other instrumentation and sensors. However, no two such jobs are the same. We start with the client’s problem, review what off-the-shelf instrumentation and sensors are available, and then customise the final package accordingly based on the environment—subsea or otherwise—and demands of the application.”

In this instance, a custom data logger takes inputs from several sensors, initially feeding back information on load, rotation, and temperature. More sensors can be added to an expandable system should the need arise in the future. A stainless steel enclosure is mounted in Subsea Innovation’s workshop next to the test tank, which remains in construction. Within the enclosure, the logged data is collated and logged again as a package in a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) on a memory card.

An Ethernet port, meanwhile, enables the user to plug in a PC to download the data periodically. Halford explained: “You can get a remote view on a web browser of the HMI [human-machine interface] screen to see both live values from the sensors and also download the data logs.”

Integral to the system will be an S-cell load cell from DLM’s standard range, which will be submerged in the tank at a depth of approx. 1m. The load cell is 250kg capacity and will measure in tension and compression. This is the lowest available capacity of a standard range that reaches up to 20t capacity and boasts welded covers, stainless steel construction, sealing to IP68, and high accuracy. It is suitable for use on test stands, to take measurements during certification, and in vessel and tank weighing applications, in addition to retrofitting in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) technologies and machinery.

Other standard equipment in this order includes proximity and other sensors and thermocouples used for measuring temperature.

Author: CGTeam

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