New Website Launch Coincides with Delivery of Two Major Contracts!

Monday, 27th January 2020

North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) developed blueprints for a 650 tonne air-cushioned barge to operate in shallow waters of the Caspian Sea.

The barge, when in dock for maintenance, requires a suitable slipway winch for handling. North Sea Winches won the contract to design and manufacture such a winch.

This resulted in a model GME-800, designed to DNVGL rules. The 120 tonne electric winch is also supplied with a dedicated air conditioned control cabin.

The winch included automatic programmable spooling gear, automatic failsafe disc brake system and in-house design/manufacture gearing system, including an 800,000 Nm epicyclic output gear set.

For the control cabin (with operator comfort and safety in mind) is fully air conditioned as the temperature fluctuations annually can range from -40 to + 30 degrees. The controls are fully PLC integrated with main drive, spooling and disc brakes all being controlled from the In-house designed and built system. Gearbox heating and cooling is provided as well as a small hydraulic system for the disc brakes.

Testing was completed in the presence of NCOC representatives, with pull and brake tests comfortably exceeding expectations.

ASAP New Structure

Friday, 24th January 2020

Tom Edwards has been promoted to General Manager of ASAP Supplies. Tom has worked for ASAP in a wide variety of roles including Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Manager, dedicating the last 18 years to the company.

“I am both delighted and proud to become General Manager. I’m looking forward to leading the team, driving a culture of continuous improvement and growth, building on the successes of ASAP.”
Tom will remain focussed on ASAP’s core values; investing in development and training, increasing the excellent product range stocked by ASAP whilst ensuring customer service and satisfaction is at the heart of what they do.

Gary Aldred has been promoted to the new role of Operations Manager at ASAP Supplies.
Gary has been involved with all departments of the business in one way or another over the last 14 years. His main objective and passion as Operations Manager is to continue delivering excellent customer service, striving for a high level of customer satisfaction.

“I believe putting the customer at the centre of everything we do is what sets us apart from our competition. I will be leading from the front, supporting the whole team to grow the company to the next level”

Ashley Bradley has been promoted to Head of Trade at ASAP Supplies.

Ash has worked for ASAP for 7 years in the Sales and Trade Departments which has allowed him to understand and work closely with the core customer base.

“I look forward to taking on the role as Head of Trade, my main strategy will be developing and tailoring a more focused experience for our trade customers, through technical knowledge and expanding our product range”

To support this ASAP have introduced a dedicated Trade Department and Field Sales Team. A direct phone line to the department is now available (01502 718246).

Cheryll Gill has stepped down as General Manager at ASAP Supplies to take up a new position as Staff Development Manager, Arleigh Group.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of leading ASAP Supplies as General Manager for the last 2 years and will use that experience to enhance my new role within the wider Arleigh Group. I am looking forward to maximising customer service delivery by extending the training and development programme in our efficient and professional teams.

Cheryll’s role will identify training and development needs in the group and will ensure that the investment in training and HR efficiencies within Arleigh is proven through growth and excellence that is visible to all customers.

Adam Ramsden, Arleigh Group Managing Director, commented on ASAP’s new structure
“Congratulations to Gary Aldred and Ashley Bradley, who have taken on further responsibilities in their new roles, having built up their knowledge over many years with ASAP.

Tom Edwards has formally taken over the management of the ASAP business, and will be responsible for driving the business forward as we continue to grow, and for leading the ASAP team after a strong performance in 2019. Well done, Tom.

Cheryll Gill will be stepping into a training role, to structure and manage our training needs across the Arleigh Group. This is a new role, recognising Cheryll’s experience in this area, and reflecting our desire to train and invest in our people to support continuous improvement”

Digital Edge, the Next Generation.

Thursday, 23rd January 2020

Digital Edge Subsea supplies the Oil & Gas industry with our digital video recording inspection system, the EdgeDVR.

This year we’ve been developing the next generation of digital recording equipment. The new Version 5 software and hardware, will keep the original mandate, of being easy, simple to use and most of all, reliable. The software will now have 3 levels, EdgeLite, Edge and EdgePro.

There are 3 main types of hardware, Standard Definition, High Definition and our first 4K system. The addition of a 4K(UHD) model is a reflection of the latest technology that is now being used on some of the latest ROV and diving systems worldwide.

In an industry first, we’ve developed a laptop version of our new system. It has a total storage capacity of 3TB. The system has an external 2TB SSD drive, which stores the survey data. The Windows 10 operating system is stored on a 2 x solid state hard drive (Raid) for increased speed and reliability.

Diverse Marine Contract â€˜Iceni Courageâ€™ Modification and Upcycling Works

Wednesday, 22nd January 2020

Industry leading refit and repair provider Diverse Marine Ltd. is pleased to confirm that it has signed a contract with offshore wind crew transfer vessel service provider Turner Iceni Ltd. for the modification and upcycling of ‘Iceni Courage’ following a competitive tender process.

‘Iceni Courage’ is a 15m crew transfer vessel built in the yard back in 2009. The dynamic offshore wind sector has developed over the last decade with a requirement for larger, faster and more efficient craft so the time had come for the vessel’s owners to consider a sale or repurposing of the vessel out of the offshore wind industry. However, following the success of the ‘MCS Maestro’ to ‘Iceni Warrior’ and ‘MPI Don Quixote’ to ‘Iceni Revenge’ upcycling and life extension refits carried out early in 2019, a similar refit had to be considered.

The ‘Iceni Courage’ life extension project includes stretching the hull, deck and superstructure by 3.6m, repowering the vessel to Volvo Penta IPS900, relocation and replacement of the ships generator, relocation of the fresh water and grey water tanks with all new plumbing, cutting in a forward side door to the saloon, cutting in an additional third crew position on the bridge and full refit of the interior.

The refit will include the ‘Iceni Gen 3’ upgrades with new, lighter and more accommodating linings, all new heads compartment, all new galley with modern appliances and all new windows and doors. In addition, the vessel is to be repainted from top to bottom.

Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine states: “Following the success of the two Iceni life extension projects last year we are very pleased to have won this competitive tender and to further our experience in this important sector. This is a great opportunity to process the lessons learned on the previous projects for a more efficient production solution. It means a lot to us that our clients have the trust and faith in us to design and deliver these significant refits and continue co-operative working relationships with Iceni and our supply chain. Most of our team remember building the vessel originally so are particularly proud of the vessel’s condition after 10 years and to be associated with the refit.”

Colman adds “There is something poignant about recycling and upcycling these aluminum craft for an industry that values renewable energy and neutrality on the environment. This is a benefit of working with fully recyclable aluminium construction and materials, as opposed to composites.”

Kloeckner Metals UK is now BES 6001 Certified

Tuesday, 21st January 2020

Kloeckner Metals UK are pleased to announce that our Leeds, Westok, London and Dudley sites have obtained BES 6001 certification for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. This new certification will help Kloeckner ensure and demonstrate that all our products have been made using materials that have been responsibly sourced and in a sustainable manner.

Developed by BRE (Building Research Establishment) the Environmental & Sustainability standard specifies requirements for organisational management, supply chain management and management of sustainability issues in order to allow organisations to demonstrate an on-going commitment to the principles of responsible sourcing in relation to the provision of a specific product.

The new BES 6001 certificate adds the sustainability advantage to Kloeckner customers as it helps to contribute to their own sustainability efforts. Furthermore, clients and stakeholders can now be confident of the ethical and responsible approach by Kloeckner Metals UK in its sourcing and operations.

Kevin Maddison Kloeckner Metals UK Group Quality Manager: “We are incredibly proud of this new certification as it reflects Kloeckner’s ongoing commitment to improving its environmental and social impact. The new BES 6001 standard gives our customers further assurance that materials are of high-quality and sourced responsibly from ethical suppliers ”

To find out more about Kloeckner Metals UK Safety & Health, Environment and Quality certifications click below:
https://www.kloecknermetalsuk.com/sheq/certifications-documents/
shop.kloeckner.co.uk

Mainprize Offshore announces new build 26m SUPA-SWATH wind farm support and crew transfer vessel, MA1

Tuesday, 21st January 2020

Leading innovative offshore vessel builder and operator Mainprize Offshore has announced the building of a newbuild 26m SUPA-SWATH wind farm support and crew transfer vessel, MA1.

Mainprize Offshore’s new 26m SUPA-SWATH will reflect the innovative design of its sistership, the MO5, which was unveiled at Seawork in 2019.

The 26-metre vessel is the second vessel in a new range of CTVs being the brainchild of Bob Mainprize, the co-owner and MD of Scarborough-headquartered Mainprize Offshore, together with James Walker of Southampton’s Walker Marine Design (WMD).

The duo has previously partnered on the design of three vessel builds prior to MA1; namely the MO3, MO4 and MO5.
Bob Mainprize first thought of the initial design in 2011 when assessing offshore wind, the vessels’ current and future designs and the end clients’ needs; with the aim to building the industry’s leading vessel, being a SUPA-SWATH able to carry large loads, enable transit in higher waves and in greater comfort, plus transfer in higher wave height.

Its complex design, being to UK Flag HS OSC and BV Wind Farm Service Ship S1 notation, was devised to maximise efficiency, crew and passenger comfort and is part of the continuing evolution of the Mainprize Offshore line of vessels, being renowned as leaders in their class in providing a high-end value-added and cost-efficient service.

Following the year-long construction programme of the MO5, which was launched in Spring 2019 and is due to start operations in Germany imminently, the MA1 will have a shorter build programme of nine months and will be built in Taiwan.

With a combined investment of over £7million spanning the two 26 metre sisterships, MA1 has been ordered on speculation.

Uniquely, the MO5 is one of the few vessels in today’s market which can transfer in over 2mHs. She also offers the added flexibility of carrying 70T of payload including large cargo and undertake survey or ROV operations. In addition, her four-point anchoring enables her to undertake external dive operations with the added safety of been able to carry a full dive suit.

Predominately designed as a ‘bring-to-work’ and high-speed cargo-carrying solution for wind farm operatives and their equipment, the semi-SWATH high-load design, which carries 24 passengers with six crew members, is also suitable for many other operations.

Bob Mainprize, MD and Founder of Mainprize Offshore comments, “the MA1 is a continuation of Mainprize’s focus on pushing the offshore wind farm vessel envelope. The MO5 helped to cement Mainprize Offshore as a leader in innovative fast workboats and MA1 will continue this as another pioneering build to further complement our fleet of CTVs.”

Mainprize is renowned for numerous marine industry firsts including; Deck Space of 150M2 increasing to 200M2, dedicated walkways for safe access and egress, 36,000L increasing to 50,000L fuel, achieving a payload of 65T – 200% greater than anything in the wind farm sector at the time and a fuel pump speed 500L-Min – 200% faster like-for-like.

Mainprize Offshore has been involved with the early stages of the wind farm industry starting with the initial seabed surveys, risk assessments and traffic surveys. In recent times the business expanded into the operation of fast catamarans to support the wind farm construction and O+M teams; enabling transfers between shore and wind farm sites of personnel, equipment spares and stores.

The combination of unsurpassed seagoing, together with the ability to operate impressively in wave heights of over two metres, means that Mainprize Offshore’s MO and MA fleet is also ideally suited to fast-ferry, survey, pilotage and SAR (search and rescue) duties.

Mainprize Offshore’s MA1 is due to be launched in May 2020 when she will commence operations in Northern Europe.

Calvey Marine – why use an agent in 2020?

Tuesday, 21st January 2020

Calvey Marine has been at the forefront of the ship-repair and marine supplies industry for thirty years, assisting clients with projects ranging from routine dockings and conversions, to marine supplies and emergency repairs.

As UK agents for the most prestigious shipyards worldwide, they also partner with leading suppliers such as AMI, Greens Power and Seatec Subsea.

Why their Clients come back, again and again.

Clients come to Calvey Marine knowing that they will be given an honest, professional and efficient service, offering considerable time and money savings.

Due to the recently implemented IMO regulations, many of the Chinese shipyards have no availability until the second half of 2020 and this has had a ripple effect on pricing.

Drydocks World Dubai is becoming increasingly competitive and Lisnave Shipyard, Portugal, enjoyed an extremely busy end to 2019 priding itself on a high number of repeat clients, testimony to the quality of the service provided.

As such, there has never been a better time to use an agent. Calvey’s team has excellent and well-established relationships with the shipyards they represent, meaning they can negotiate the most competitive tenders for ship owners and managers. They also have access to the most up to date information regarding dock availability and work very closely with the yards’ commercial departments to best accommodate our clients’ vessels and secure the required dock space.

As marine agents, Calvey Marine takes control of all projects ensuring they are completed to the highest possible standard and giving clients access to 24/7 services. From an initial consultation to final installation and quality checks, they are equipped to manage the life cycle of vessels and marine products through maintenance and repairs.

Transfluid achieve DNVL-GL type approval for marine hybrid modules and batteries

Monday, 20th January 2020

We are proud to announce that Transfluid is the first company in the world to have obtained two DNV-GL Type approvals for their hybrid technology. The first, for their complete range of marine parallel hybrid modules and secondly for their LiFePO4 battery banks.

The battery type-approval also includes the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) extension, a stricter list of requirements making the Transfluid batteries the safest, worldwide. The total absence of carbon and graphite, avoid profoundly destructive “thermal runaway”, which is one of the most extensive tests required to be undertaken to obtain DNV-GL and NMA approvals.

The parallel hybrid technology permits genuine redundancy on board. Propulsion comes from either the internal combustion engine or through the electric motor, connected to the same powertrain.

Should an electrical blackout occur, the i.c.e. is capable of operating the propulsion system. In the event of i.c.e failure, the electric motor serves as a second means of power. This parallel technology can deliver “boost mode” mode for short bursts, adding the electric motor power to the i.c.e. power, achieving increased responsiveness under varying conditions.

The electric machine is both the motor and generator, allowing fast battery charging during i.c.e. operation, alleviating the need for shore recharging infrastructures, the most significant barrier towards a fully electric solution.

The innovative combination of Transfluid’s hybrid transmission and batteries in a plug and play supply, deliveries one of the safest and most reliable ‘green propulsion’ solutions, available in new build or as a retrofit option.

Transfluid’s heritage stems from more than 60 years of working on industrial applications with a combination of “traditional” mechanical and hydraulic products and the addition of the new permanent magnet electric technology.

Transfluid products are designed and manufactured in house, all while striving to exceed excellence and safety standards, and will continue long into the future as they work to obtain further type approval throughout 2020.

Maritime Filtration – Exhaust Scrubber – Closed Loop

Monday, 20th January 2020

The fully automated filtration solutions by Boll & Kirch.

Further four BOLL Fine Filter Units for EGCS washwater treatment are just finished in our production in Kerpen (Germany) and are now on their way to the world leading scrubber manufacturer underlining our significant market position as a manufacturer for such water treatment systems.

The automated system safeguards compliance with the IMO washwater discharge regulations and ensures the efficient operation of exhaust gas cleaning systems.

MARSPEC’s Latest Charity Project

Thursday, 16th January 2020

One of MARSPEC's latest projects included a charity which needed our help.

Here is the story told by the CEO of the Walnut Tree Health and Wellbeing CIC about MARSPEC and why we care about our industry.

During sea passage to Lowestoft from Sunderland, we were happily enjoying the scenery and bird life when off Whitby the water pump seized on the main engine resulting in we had to be recovered by the local Lifeboat.

“Kazmar, by the way, is a substantially built ex fishing boat and is part of a recovery activities study, with military veterans & blue light services and others”.

I called around marine engineering companies for help.

Mark Cornforth of MARSPEC took the call. Mark kindly offered to swing past and take a look; he did explain his company serviced much larger vessels than Kazmar; however, he might be able to point us in the right direction for help.

In Whitby, true to his word, Mark came on board to take a look.

We told Mark of our charitable work and he told us of his company the work they do and his time in the Navy.

He problem solved, took off, stripped & identified the pump, arranged a new one. Got us towed up to the marina to a safer location. Arranged showers and food from the seaman's mission.

Mark fitted the new parts, looked over the engine & gearbox. He gave Kazmar the green light to go to sea. One man gave his time; his company gave assistance through its network to find parts.

Saving our organisation a small fortune and has kept the programme of research alive.

Take a look at the MARSPEC website at www.mar-spec.com, do yourself a favour, pick up the phone and talk to a company that cares.

My thanks to Mark and MARSPEC, you really went all out to help, your kindness won't be forgotten.

Luke Woodley
Founder and CEO

Author: CGTeam

Advertise with Seaplant

Join us