Interior outfit with a difference – The SMS Group majors on interior fit out and refurbishment

Tuesday, 16th February 2021

Pride in ownership and trust in delivery – The SMS Group is excelling with fit out and marine interior refurbishments in 2021, exceeding budget by circa 25%.

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

Focusing on outfit has been key for the newly relocated SMS Group, now based inside ABP’s Southampton footprint, located less than half a mile from the new Cruise terminal.

The business has manged through the pandemic by maintaining low overheads and developing an entrepreneurial approach to fit out – completing numerous Cruise, Ferry and Defence projects, both in the UK and overseas, in a Covid-secure environment.

Dan Lockyer, Head of Interiors, talks about the SMS difference: “There are many marine outfitters in the market, both locally and internationally.

“My team and I have been fortunate enough to work for some of the best. These experiences have taught us so much.

“As SMS we’ve worked hard to completely remove the disconnect between the estimating team and the delivery team, as a Project Manager at SMS you own the whole job, start to finish. That’s the difference with SMS.”

He added: “We’re 100% focused on protecting both the customers interests and the Project Managers.

“Because we’re a much smaller, more dynamic team, perhaps more of a boutique outfitter, our Project Managers own all their works from ‘cradle through to grave’.

“They liaise with the customer from the outset, they quote the job, we peer-review the quote – taking the time to seek improved economical solutions.

“The Project Manager then goes on to plan the job, manage the suppliers and the subcontractors, and then ultimately deliver the works package.

“This approach ensures two things: no finger pointing, and no mistakes in delivery.”
He concludes by saying: “Peer-to-peer review is genuinely important too.

“It ensures accurate quotations and realistic project plans. With over 100 years of time served experience within our fit out team we’ve learnt plenty of real world lessons.
“We know what works and what doesn’t, and perhaps more importantly we genuinely appreciate the long-term life-time value of key customer relationships.

“If it can be done we’ll do it. If it can’t be done we’ll be honest with the customer and together agree a solution that works. We’re playing the long-term game.”

The SMS Group provides turnkey outfit solutions to all marine Operators, globally, including the provision of ‘Ride On Squads’ and mechanical / structural engineering solutions.

Williams Shipping launches new website to spearhead its services to the renewable energy sector, part of the companyâ€™s commitment to long-term investment in Pembroke Port.

Monday, 15th February 2021

Supporting Renewables in Pembroke
Leading marine and logistics company Williams Shipping provides key services to the marine energy sector such as marine transportation and is a recognised supplier to the Port of Milford Haven at the heart of the UK’s energy supply and development industry.

“We have unparalleled experience in supporting and servicing renewable off-shore industry innovations, including wave, tide and wind energy projects,” says Philip Williams, Managing Director. “Our [Renewables] site gives us the chance to explain to the industry what we can do and how we can help the development of the port as a world class leader in this sector.”

Supporting the local economy
Williams Shipping is committed to continued investment in the Pembroke area to support local industries and contribute to drive the marine economy as the country moves out of recession. The company has been a major presence in Pembroke Port since 2004, providing vessel charter and marine and port services through a modern and versatile fleet of vessels, barges, marine equipment and crawler cranes based at the port, together with onward transportation and logistics services across Wales and around the UK and Irish coast.

“We are committed to extending Williams Shipping services at Pembroke Port,” confirms Philip Williams. “We provide a wide range of marine services to major industries on the Milford Haven Waterway and will continue our programme of continuous improvement for our customers.”

This month the company will announce further expansion of its port services, including both quayside improvements and passenger facilities. A 22m Multicat will be based in the Haven to service the jetties and a newly upgraded 70 tonne Kobelco hydraulic crawler crane will be made permanently available.

Supporting the next generation
As the marine and renewables sectors grow, Williams Shipping is committed to helping young people develop the skills they need for local employment. The company supports the Workboat Apprenticeship Scheme and expects to strengthen its teams as demand grows.

“We look forward to a long and supportive relationship with Pembroke Dock, its people and businesses,” says Philip Williams “and in particular to playing our part in the development of renewables as a sustainable resource for people everywhere.”

Making Tracks to Kingston, South Australia

Thursday, 11th February 2021

FAUN Trackway Limited, the leading manufacturer of ground stabilisation Trackway® solutions, has successfully delivered its renowned Boat Ramp Kit system to Kingston District Council, South Australia.

The order is the first of its kind in the region which sees the C40 Trackway® solution installed to improve beach access for both 2 and 4 wheel drives, along with safe watercraft launching and recovery.

Following a recommendation from its Maria Creek Sustainable Infrastructure Project Community Focus Group, Kingston District Council met to discuss the requirement.

Designed to maximise the mobility of boats and other watercraft, FAUN Trackway®’s Boat Ramp Kit is an innovative launch and recovery system, constructed from lightweight and environmentally friendly aluminium panels.

Once assembled, the Trackway® system is deployed quickly and effectively; and can be used again at a different location once recovered, providing both permanent and temporary solutions.

Suitable for wheeled vehicles, boat trailers, and marine equipment, the Boat Ramp Kit provides a high traction surface which ensures a smooth passage. Joined in multiples by a tongue and groove joint and locking bolts, the Boat Ramp kit can be supplied to any length requirement desired.

Chris Kendall, CEO at FAUN Trackway Limited, said: “The Boat Ramp Kit in Kingston is a brilliant example of how our products can be used in environments around the world. We’re proud to provide a sustainable system that will serve the region well into the future.”

Nat Traeger, CEO at Kingston District Council, commented: “Council is always looking at ways to value-add to its vision of being a thriving destination and this all-access solution is more than just a temporary boat ramp. In fact, by far the most satisfying outcome is that the council’s safe, popular beaches are now accessible to conventional vehicles as a 4WD isn’t required to use the Trackway®. Not only that, emergency service vehicles and those living with a disability can now also easily access our beaches, ‘the beach starts here’ is our motto for a reason, and this innovative solution is certainly testament to that!”

Jumbo shines as Tier I Contractor during Yunlin transport scope

Tuesday, 9th February 2021

Representing a significant milestone in the largest job in its history, Jumbo has completed the transportation part of its Transport & Installation contract for the Yunlin offshore wind farm in Taiwan.

umbo mobilised ships from its own Heavy Lift Vessel fleet, together with subcontracted deck carriers and HLVs from third parties, to transport the 40 monopiles, 120 monopile sections and 40 transition pieces (TPs) from yards in the Netherlands and Germany to Taiwan.

Yunlin illustrates Jumbo’s position as a Tier I contractor for a major offshore wind farm construction project. In addition to the actual transport of components from A to B, Jumbo’s role was complete project management of numerous critical aspects of the project. This included the engineering, design and fabrication management of the supporting and sea-fastening elements such as cradles, grillages and load spreader beams, procurement of additional equipment and services, as well as the chartering of third-party vessels.

In for the long term
Jumbo secured the Yunlin T&I contract with Yunneng Windpower Co. (a Taiwanese subsidiary of wpd AG) back in June 2019. Looking back over the previous eighteen months, Laurens Govers, Jumbo Manager Commerce Shipping, outlines the impact of Jumbo working as a Tier 1 contractor. “In providing total project logistics management, we have had very short communication lines with all the project participants. We have worked with an efficient mix between our own tonnage and the support rendered by our competitor-colleagues. At all times, our client has had direct contact with the asset holder. Furthermore, at all times, our decisions have been based on what was best for the project, thereby not focusing on short-term gains, but on building long-term relations. The fact that Jumbo is a family business is a contributing factor to this successful way of working.”

Saving time and money
In terms of logistics, the Yunlin offshore wind farm is a substantial project; the transport of components required no less than 21 intercontinental voyages, at times with 10 TPs per voyage. “Our eye for detail in the early contractual stages enabled the smooth progress in execution of transport. We highlighted potential bottlenecks in the port logistics in Taiwan well in advance, tackling them in an open and candid fashion to safeguard our client,” says Boudewijn van der Garden, Jumbo Commercial Manager specialised in Offshore Renewables. “Moreover, we supported direct berthing at the fabrication yard in Germany; this saved a lot of time. We re-used the saddles and other sea-fastenings; this saved a lot of money.”

Solution orientated handling
According to wpd, ‘Jumbo has put a lot of work in sourcing solutions for several challenges, which occurred not only before the planning, but even during the performance phase. While transports were ongoing, new knowledge was gained, the design of the substructure was still subject to change and Jumbo’s Engineers and Project Managers had to implement new concepts very rapidly. Yunlin as a fast track project demands everything from those involved and there is often no time to evaluate upcoming topics to their ultimate depths. With every further voyage Jumbo gained the trust to be the right partner to cope with such big challenges.’

Up for the task
The transport of the offshore wind substructures is now completed. In the meantime, Jumbo is ready for the installation of 80 transition pieces. Once again, Jumbo will be working at the Tier I level, contracting additional support services such as monopile cleaning specialists and TP grouting teams.

Jumbo’s logistics performance on the Yunlin project has not gone unnoticed in the market, adds Laurens Govers: “Several EPCI contractors active in the offshore wind farm installation market have since contacted us to see whether we could partner up. Therewith carving out the logistical element of their scope and leaving it to the party that knows logistics best. For them, it’s a potential liability: for us, it’s our daily work.”

ASCO Starts the Year with West Africa Contract Wins

Monday, 8th February 2021

Global integrated materials and logistics management company, ASCO, has started 2021 with the announcement of two vessel monitoring contracts in West Africa, worth in the region of $3.5m USD.

Contracts include provision of ASCO’s fully managed vessel monitoring service for collision risk management, along with an entire field monitoring solution inclusive of design, procurement, installation, maintenance and monitoring.

The vessel monitoring service is just one of ASCO’s dedicated global marine services, offering clients a 24/7/365 global marine control service coordinated from a dedicated marine operation centre in Aberdeen.

Fraser Coleman, ASCO Marine Operations Manager, said: “These contract awards are confirmation of the excellent service provision that ASCO already delivers and demonstrates our capabilities of multi-regional for vessel monitoring and collision risk management.

“Through advanced technology and our team of experienced mariners, we are able to provide a reliable and immediate service to clients anywhere in the world from our operations control room in Aberdeen, ensuring the best use of valuable marine resources.”

Craig Revie, ASCO Group Energy Transition Manager, who has more than 20 years’ experience working in the field of offshore maritime surveillance commented: “Interactions between vessels and offshore structures continues to represent a major accident hazard for the energy industry, and whilst surveillance systems using radar, AIS and cameras provide a real time picture of maritime activity, these are not always being operated and monitored to their full capabilities therefore increasing risk to assets. In summary, ASCO’s dedicated monitoring service ensures that ship platform collisions and threats to subsea infrastructure do not go undetected.”

To find out more of these specialised marine services visit: https://www.ascoworld.com

The first dredger refit of 2021: The SMS Group refits the Arco Darta in Bristol

Monday, 8th February 2021

A successful start to the year – The SMS Group has started 2021 with a D Class refit on behalf of Hanson Aggregate Marine.

The refit of the ‘Arco Dart’ was completed in a Covid-secure environment inside the footprint of The Bristol Port Company.

The SMS Group has an enviable reputation as specialists in ship repair, marine engineering and major fabrication projects in the Commercial Marine Ship Repair, Defence, Cruise and Superyacht sectors.

Its team in Avonmouth, led by Alistair Rockett, routinely focus on the refit of aggregates dredgers.

Refitting between three and four dredgers per annum, the site is perfectly suited to the most demanding alongside repair and refit schedules – with a complimentary workshop.

Hanson Aggregate Marine is Europe’s largest producer of marine-dredged sand and gravel, supplying to a network of wharves in the UK and mainland Europe.

Hanson operates a fleet of purpose-built trailing suction hopper dredgers, which vary in size from 1,300 to 5,500 gross tonnes and are designed to extract sand and gravel from the seabed at depths of up to 50 metres.

The ‘Arco Dart’ was refitted in January. Works included:

shell plate and stiffener renewals and repairs
the manufacture and installation of new life raft frames
modifications to breather pipework
removal and renewal of dredge pipe assemblies
bi-annual hydraulics works
motor rewinds and replacements
renewal of portside mooring bollards
various machining projects
electrical works to the main switchboard
bilge cleanings
various pipeworks.

Other planned and preventative maintenance took place alongside too, resulting in a comprehensive repair schedule.

Alistair Rockett, General Manager for The SMS Group in Avonmouth, said: “The refit was the first of the year for us in Avonmouth, and it was a great, great success.

“Special thanks to Antonios Chatzistefanou from Hanson. He and has team ensured the refit ran very smoothly.

“Given the Covid ‘challenge’ all parties, including Antonios, the crew and the supply chain, genuinely pulled together to complete the refit on time and on budget. It was a pleasure to work for Hanson.”

Tony Body, West Coast Regional Manager for The SMS Group, said: “Creating a Covid-secure environment was key.

“We tested every person prior to vessel attendance, we positioned numerous sanitization stations through-out the vessel, mask-wearing was mandatory, additional mess facilities were procured, and daily Covid questionnaires were completed.

“The expertise in Covid-secure ship repair, that we’ve learnt as a business in the Defence and Cruise sectors, transferred to this refit very well.
“We finished off by bio-fogging the vessel pre-handover”.

‘Arco Dart’: 68m LOA, 13m beam, 4m draft, and is registered in SMS’s homeport of Southampton.

The PCE-GA 10 from PCE Instruments – a compact leak detector for combustible gases

Monday, 8th February 2021

The PCE-GA 10 leak detector was developed to detect and locate escaping flammable gases in systems, containers and pipes. The gas detection sensor head can be brought close to the examined parts even in confined spaces as it is connected to the device via a semi-rigid 500 mm long gooseneck supply cable.

The sensor by PCE Instruments UK LTD detects the following combustible gases:

Ammonia, benzene, ethane, ethanol, ethylene, formaldehyde, hexane, ISO butane, methane, propane, P-xylene, hydrogen sulphide, toluene and hydrogen and flammable compounds of these substances.

The hand-held device shows the presence and concentration of these flammable gases via five red LED bars arranged one above the other. In addition, audible and vibration alarms can be activated via the keys. Users are thus warned even if they cannot constantly look at the meter due to the conditions on site.

The PCE-GA 10 can be switched from high to low sensitivity and indicates the sensitivity selection by the left or right triangular LED. After switching on the leak detector in an uncontaminated area and when the automatic calibration is finished, it is recommended to search with high sensitivity first in order to be able to detect low concentrations. When flammable gases are detected, it is possible to switch to low sensitivity when the concentration is high, so that the location where the gas leaks can be narrowed down further.

The PCE-GA 10 works with a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged with the included charger. The sensor has a limited shelf life but can be easily replaced. Both the need to recharge the battery and to replace the sensor are indicated by the meter via warning lights.

Here is a brief description of the leak detector PCE-GA 10:

Mobile leak detector for combustible gases
Approx. 500 mm semi-flexible sensor cable
Optical alarm via red LEDs
Acoustic alarm up to 85 dB
Vibration alarm
Quick response time
Adjustable sensitivity
Automatic calibration
Interchangeable sensor
With mains adaptor for the rechargeable battery

The compact and easy-to-use gas leak detector PCE-GA 10 enables the simple and quick detection of many combustible gases. It can therefore be used in companies as well as in private areas. The gas detector warns of gas accumulations in buildings, on vehicles and machines and on systems and equipment where flammable gases can escape. Danger can thus be detected in time and appropriate countermeasures can be taken.

More information can be found here:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/measuring-instruments/test-meters/leak-detector-kat_41789.htm

DLM Develops Impressive Product Portfolio for the Cable Laying Industry

Thursday, 4th February 2021

DLM are excited to announce their new partnership with Dunlop as an official global distributor of the 18’’ Dunlop Tyre, commonly utilised by the Cable Laying Industry.

With DLM already having a comprehensive portfolio of products and equipment for the Marine and Offshore industries such as load monitoring, the addition of the 18’’ Dunlop Tyre provides an opportunity for customers to purchase these items from stock.

Dynamic Load Monitoring UK (Ltd) are specialists in the Marine and Offshore industries, as well as Offshore Wind, Oil & Gas, and Lifting & Rigging sectors. DLM can offer a key ‘one stop shop service’ to Offshore Cable Laying companies needing to mobilise quickly for impending projects. Consequently, the new partnership with Dunlop Aircraft Tyres will strengthen DLM’s ability to provide a world leading service to the Cable Laying Industry.

Clayton Redhead, the Director of Global Business Development for Dunlop’s Aircraft Tyre division says, “Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Limited (DATL) is pleased to announce our distribution partnership with DLM to utilise our 18” aircraft tyre for cable laying applications. This is a tyre with high load capacity due to its aircraft design characteristics and has been identified by DLM as being a perfect solution for the high demands of the cable laying environment. DATL believes DLM to be a perfect route to market solution for this product with their wealth of knowledge and valued customer base in the cable laying industry”.

Furthermore, DLM’s Global Business Development Manager, Jamie Woodcock adds, “We are very pleased to be working with Dunlop officially and privileged that they have selected DLM to support their sales. This particular product is seen as the market leader and we have sold hundreds in the past, for use on LCE’s (Linear Cable Engines). With Dunlop’s support and our well established customer network, we are looking forward to increasing the usage of these tyres globally, within the cable laying industry. The renewables market is very buoyant at the moment, with huge growth potential into the future. DLM are well positioned to continue to be a key equipment supplier to support this growing industry’’.

If you would like to find out more information regarding this editorial, please contact our Global Business Development Manager, Jamie Woodcock.

DSB Offshore Ltd delivers dredgers to West Africa

Wednesday, 3rd February 2021

DSB Offshore Ltd has recently sold a number of dredgers for work in West Africa.

2020 was an apocalyptic, zoom-intensive, stay-at-home year for DSB Offshore Ltd. As with much of the marine world, with crew changes hampered, flights unreliable and inspections impossible (not to mention Brexit looming) 2020 proved to be a disruptive and challenging year in business.

But all stories need a happy ending, and 2020 ended well. In the final months of the year, business picked up and we saw some long, difficult sales finally go over the line.

We are pleased to have sold a number of dredgers on to new owners in West Africa.

Nigeria

As the European dredging majors take delivery of ever more efficient, ecological and powerful newbuild dredgers, the trend has been for them to dispose of their older, smaller dredgers. This period of fleet renewal is now tapering off, and a number of these units have now been sold to West Africa to be operated by small, locally positioned companies with limited fleets.

Due to the wealth of a burgeoning middle class in Nigeria, fueled by petro-dollars, the demand for prime land on the Lagos Lagoon is on the rise. This has resulted in the need for capital dredging campaigns and land reclamation projects in the area.

In July 2020 we concluded the sale of CSD, ‘Dirk Martens’ to a local dredging company in Nigeria. Built in 1972, at IHC Rees De Klop, Netherlands, she is a 58.8m LOA cutter with a 700mm discharge pipe diameter, 370kW cutter power and 19.5m dredge depth (total installed power: 2,370kW).

She is at work in the Lagos Lagoon, performing capital dredging and land reclamation.

Oil Fields

In the Forcados region of Nigeria, the recent development of new oil fields has brought with it the requirement for new marine infrastructure. In such, DSB has also sold 2 TSHDs to a Nigerian oil company, who have bought, in quite quick succession, trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers ‘Galilei 2000’ and ‘Orwell’ for dredging projects of their own on the Forcados River.

‘Galilei 2000’, 1979 built, 87.4 LOA, 2,339m3 TSHD was sold via DSB in 2018. The Buyers then approached DSB in 2020, looking for another TSHD to add to their fleet. So, in December 2020 we concluded the sale to them of 1987 built, ‘Orwell’.

‘Orwell’ was built in Fulton Marine Ruisbroe, Belgium and is a 93.21m LOA, single trailer TSHD. She has a 2,575m3 hopper capacity, is equipped with pump ashore, bottom dump, rainbow discharge type, and has a 27m dredge depth. She has also now arrived safely in Nigeria and is at work on the Forcados River.

The sale of ‘Dirk Martens’, ‘Gallilei 2000’ and ‘Orwell’ follow on from our earlier sale of ex Jan De Nul Group TSHD, ‘James Ensor’ to Latvian buyers in 2018, also for work in Nigeria.

‘James Ensor’ is a 112.52m LOA, 1980 built in Hemisksem, Belgium is a double trailer with hopper capacity of 3,600m3, 700mm diameter discharge pipe and 30m dredge depth. She is also involved in maintenance dredging in the Lagos Channel.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Finally, in November 2020, after successfully concluding the sale of 4,000m3 maintenance hopper dredger, ‘Manzanillo II’, DSB directors were pleased to be able to attend the official welcome and naming ceremony for the vessel in person at the Port of Boma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There she will be carrying out essential work, keeping the great Congo River open and deep enough for large cargo vessels to move through the channel, to deliver their cargo at Matadi, an essential trade port of the DRC.

DSB Offshore Ltd are delighted to be pushing more into the African market.

TSHD Manzanillo II Jubilation on the Congo River

Wednesday, 3rd February 2021

TSHD sold to the DRC

DSB Offshore Ltd recently acted as exclusive ship broker to Jan De Nul Group, in the sale of one the ‘great ladies’ of her dredging fleet, to Congolaise des Voies Maritimes (CVM) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was therefore a great honour for the Directors of DSB Offshore Ltd, to attend the official handover ceremony, on 2nd December 2020, in the Port of Boma, for the much anticipated arrival of CVM’s new dredger.

‘Manzanillo II’ (still to be named officially by CVM), and described by the Congolaise in one speech, as “gigantesque” (being far bigger that any dredger they have had working on the Congo River before), is a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) of 114m LOA, with a 4,000 m³ hopper capacity, an impressive total installed power of 14,000 kilowatts, and accommodation on board for 50 crew members.

Great Lady of the River Congo

This great lady, built in Saint-Nazaire, France in 1988, for the then Mexican National Dredging Company, has had an interesting history and impressive service record.

She began her career in Mexico, doing maintenance dredging for several Mexican ports, on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Then, in 1995, after the partial privatisation of the Mexican national dredging company, she was purchased by dredging major, Jan De Nul.

With Jan De Nul, she launched a truly international career spanning Africa, Europe and America. Her glittering Curriculum Vitae includes maintenance and deepening campaigns in the Port of Bahia Blanca, and the Rio Parana between Buenos Aires and Santa Fe in Argentina; Port Said in Egypt; the Ems River in Germany; the Port of Leixaos in Portugal, Cadiz in Spain; the port of Klaipeda in Lithuania and other campaigns in Antwerp, Ostend and Zeebrugge to name but a few.

Right up until she set sail for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) she was still in full operation despite her age, and she reached the Congo River – probably her most far flung destination – in top form and ready to serve the Congolaise des Voies Maritimes (CVM), and the people of the DRC in Boma and Matadi.

CVM and the Congolaise crew will take over the maintenance of the DRC’s critical ports using ‘Manzanillo II’. The Congo River is of crucial economic importance to the Congolaise, and ensuring that the river is navigable is a full time job. Having their own dredger frees up the CVM to choose its own priorities, and they will no longer be dependant on other dredging contractors.

The atmosphere was jubilant on the 2nd December, filled with colour, with dancing, with cheering crowds (even masks embossed with an image of the vessel were made for the occasion and worn with pride). Attended by the Prime Minister, Mr. Sylvestre Llunga Llunkamba, several ministers, dignitaries and locals, it was a special day.

And all the time, ‘Manzanillo II’, their great ‘new’ lady of the river watched over them.

Author: CGTeam

Advertise with Seaplant

Join us