Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies – supplier of hydraulic tube, fittings, instrumentation and pipeline materials

Monday, 16th December 2019

Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies Limited are a specialist supplier of hydraulic tube, fittings, instrumentation and pipeline materials. We have been in operation for nearly thirty years and have established an excellent reputation based on technical knowledge, quality of product, ability to respond immediately to customer requirements and first-class service.

Whilst our initial success and ongoing growth has been centred on the Marine and Offshore industries, we have expanded our customer base to include all major end-user sectors and now supply to international companies operating throughout the world.

In addition to the very extensive and comprehensive range of products carried in stock, the company is constantly building on its unique specialist knowledge to locate non-standard items and manufacture fittings and materials to meet customers' specific needs.

As a company, we have set out to be the best specialist supplier of hydraulic fittings and materials you will ever want to deal with. You may be assured this dedication to excellence will continue.

We are proud to be based in what was once one of the most important shipbuilding areas in the world.

Surveying the Future â€“ iSURVEY Moves into 2020 on a High

Friday, 13th December 2019

iSURVEY Group, a leading provider of survey and positioning services to the global oil and gas, offshore renewables and telecommunications markets, has celebrated a prosperous year, with several major contract wins.

2019 has seen the company expand its range of services; extending its track record in cable installation and trenching support, mooring installation and seabed survey scopes.

eflecting the company’s increasing geographical footprint, survey and subsea projects have been delivered in the USA, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Gabon, among other countries.

Geophysical surveying services in the Philippines and projects in Indonesia are representative of a number of notable firsts for iSURVEY, with both areas previously unexplored regions for the company. A shallow geo-hazard survey campaign in Norway has also been a big step for the company and builds on last year’s successful vessel charters. In addition to geophysical surveys performed across the UKCS, over 500km of ROV pipeline inspections have been conducted in the last year in North West Europe and nearly 400km inspected in South East Asia – both new company records.

As a reflection of its success over the last 18 months, iSURVEY’s UK office relocated to larger premises in September to accommodate company growth. The Westhill-based office and workshop facility has more than trebled its footprint.

Øivind Røegh, CEO of the iSURVEY Group said: “The Group’s turnover this year has continued to grow in line with the strategic development of iSURVEY capabilities and increased service offerings. With plans already well underway for 2020, we are looking to build on the numerous successful contracts delivered in 2019.

“We will continue to invest in resources to support the progression of the Group via recruitment, as well as technology development. I look forward to 2020 being another year of solid growth for the company.”

Power quality monitoring from Bender UK proves a vital tool for ROV operators

Wednesday, 11th December 2019

Power quality monitoring equipment from Bender UK is being used by a global subsea ROV operator to verify the integrity of power supplies offshore.

It is the first application of Bender power quality monitoring technology in the subsea sector. The company’s insulation monitors and earth fault location technologies are widely employed within the oil and gas industry to protect personnel, subsea equipment, installations and associated electrical infrastructure from insulation failure.

Subsea contractor Film-Ocean provides ROV inspection and intervention services. They trust Bender power quality monitoring (PQM) systems to identify issues with fluctuating power supplies on board support vessels and offshore installations.

Bender’s LINETRAXX® PEM735 measures and records the precise current status of electrical supply networks and displays the current/voltage harmonics for assessment of the power quality. The product was first deployed by Film-Ocean after a project was affected by a fluctuating electricity supply that resulted in damage to high-value PCB boards in their ROV equipment.

Mike Mackie, Operations Manager at Film-Ocean explains: “Bender’s power quality monitoring equipment alert us to spikes or troughs in the power supply voltage that can seriously affect the ROVs and cause permanent damage. Equally serious is downtime of the equipment and delays that can result from fluctuations in the power supply. If damage occurs, we can now track the cause and most importantly identify the source of the problem using Bender PQM ensuring maximum utilisation for our clients.

“The bigger ROV units can be more seriously affected by a dip or spike in supply. The Bender units won’t protect against the effects, but they let us know that it is happening, and that enables us to identify the root cause. They are proving very successful and we are aiming to use more of the Bender power quality monitors in the future.”

The biggest power quality problems occur on three-phase systems. Cranes are often one of the most common causes of spikes and drops in the power supply. A crane pulls a lot of current when it starts up, and that can cause a fluctuation in the power supply. When the crane stops, the power can sometimes spike and potentially cause damage to other electrical equipment, but Bender’s PQM technology records the changes in the power supply and alerts the Film-Ocean team.

If there is a problem, then Film-Ocean can look at ways to make the power supply more stable – either by bringing in a separate dedicated generator or installing voltage conditioning equipment.

Film-Ocean also uses Bender insulation monitoring devices to safeguard personnel and equipment subsea. Mike adds: “We use a variety of Bender line insulation monitors in multiple locations on all our ROV systems. Not only are they a critical safety device they are also used as condition-based monitors to identify a gradual or complete breakdown of insulation within our systems.”

Coltraco Launching into 2020

Wednesday, 11th December 2019

Throughout 2019 Coltraco Ultrasonics have been listening to customer feedback. Launching into 2020, Coltraco Ultrasonics are proud to be sharing a Christmas gift of a brand new website. This is designed to make the customer digital experience as easy as dealing with the team personally. The new website aims to showcase the range of technologies that solve customers’ problems.

Focused on allowing customers easy navigation of all product ranges, the new website launched today, benefits users through the simple icons and market sector briefings. The product range includes smart solutions for testing level, seal, thickness, flow and acoustics. Coltraco Ultrasonics believe this website fulfils their mission of delivering the Safesite® and Safeship® for their customers: providing products for improved safety for people, assets and infrastructure, as well as saving time and cost.

Moreover, the brand new website highlights Coltraco Ultrasonics’ innovation and values through latest news such as General Manager David Cao, in China visiting Marintec or their Head of Marketing and Communications Clare Hunter, speaking at the GTR #FutureProofingTradeFinance conference about diversity and inclusivity.

To celebrate customers loyal support and to thank them for feedback used towards the new website, Coltraco Ultrasonics would like to give all customers a Christmas gift. Visit the website to find out what it is! www.coltraco.com/season-product.

Merry Christmas and thank you to all customers from Coltraco Ultrasonics!

Norfolk boat builderâ€™s pilot boat exported to Dublin

Wednesday, 11th December 2019

The first ORC pilot boat to be exported from a Norfolk boat builder has arrived at its new home.

Goodchild Marine, based in Burgh Castle, secured a contract with the Dublin Port Company to construct the ORC 171 in 2018.

Last week DPC Tolka took her maiden voyage to Dublin Bay, piloted by managing director Alan Goodchild, who set sail from Great Yarmouth, via Dover, Gosport, Plymouth, Falmouth and Milford Haven.

The new addition to the port’s fleet of working vessels, will replace the oldest pilot boat Dodder, which now retires from service.

Designed by French naval architects Pantocarene, for both fuel efficiency and performance in challenging weather conditions, DPC Tolka features the latest navigational and safety equipment on board, including a dedicated pilot workstation in the wheelhouse and the hydraulic Goodchild Marine Man Overboard Recovery Platform in the stern.

With shipping companies increasingly deploying longer, deeper ships capable of carrying more cargo, DPC Tolka represents a vital upgrade in the provision of pilotage services at the Port and will allow Dublin Port’s team of highly skilled marine pilots to reach and board these ships in all weather conditions from a greater distance out into Dublin Bay.

Alan Goodchild, Managing Director of Goodchild Marine, said: “Our flagship ORC range of pilot boats are certainly making waves within the industry and we are delighted to be able to export our first 171 to Dublin. The pilot operation across the UK and Europe now demands bigger and stronger boats that can withstand the most challenging conditions, and we feel we have responded to market demand by producing such a vessel.”

Steve Pierce, General Manager, added: “It is very important for us to consider the impact that our boats make, both financially and environmentally. Our ORCs are becoming renowned for cutting fuel emissions, with customers reporting fuel savings of up to 40% a year, which we hope is an incentive for both existing and potential clients.”

Dublin Port Harbour Master, Michael McKenna, said: “Dublin Port Company is delighted to take delivery of DPC Tolka, and we’ve already started training our pilots and pilot boat teams on the workings of the new vessel ahead of entering service later this week. Demand for pilotage continues to grow as more and more ships service Dublin Port, and DPC Tolka will help meet the operational and navigational needs of both regular customers and visiting vessels in the years ahead. Our thanks to the crew at Goodchild Marine for their skills and workmanship in designing and delivering this vessel.”

TPA Pontoons are the Star of a Unique Show

Monday, 9th December 2019

Access provider’s VersaDock system provides a temporary marina at ExCel.

The pontoons from specialist access provider TPA Pontoons have helped the world’s leading defence and security equipment exhibition double the size of its temporary marina.
TPA was called back as sole pontoon supplier by Clarion Events, organisers of the bi-annual DSEI exhibition at London’s ExCel, to supply the modular marina for this year’s show (September 10-13) after a successful installation in 2017.

The show connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the global defence and security supply chain on an unrivaled scale. The marina is a key element of the Naval Zone, an interactive showcase of the latest vessels and maritime technology, which is fully supported by the Royal Navy and First Sea Lord.

The distinctive dockside setting delivers a dazzling showcase of maritime capabilities and international warships including the opportunity to see the industry’s latest vessels in action through interactive presentations and waterborne demonstrations.

This year the marina was twice as big and a total of 440m2 of TPA’s VersaDock system was required for the bespoke layout which comprised a 75m by 2m main walkway off which ran eight “finger” jetties between 10 and 15m long and 6.5m to 8m apart.

The pontoon units were supplied complete with integrated cleats and fenders to accommodate the different display vessels from UK and northern European companies, as well as a 4m aluminium roller gangway with handrails to give guests access from the quayside onto the main walkway.

The pontoons and equipment were transported and installed using Hiab wagons to lift the pre-built sections into the water where they were linked together into the unique layout by a four-man crew over two days.

Paul Robinson of Clarion Events, a former senior naval officer, said: “I was very keen to have a single provider and TPA installed it for us for the first time in 2017 and it was very successful.

“This year was a huge installation because we had more customers interested in putting their boats on the
water but even so we have been absolutely delighted with the construction. It was first class. TPA are a very good team. They have been extremely responsive and adaptable so there were no big issues.”

TPA’s VersaDock pontoons are the only float system on the market that are NATO codified for use in military installations in a variety of applications. In addition, the floats have more plastic in them than any other similar product, with a wall thickness of 8mm minimum. They have also been re-engineered to give a stronger radius around the lugs and feature the latest technology in pin and nut moulds which has added an extra tonne in loading to each, massively strengthening the whole platform.

Green Marine Scoops Prestigious Award

Monday, 9th December 2019

Orkney based Green Marine (UK) Ltd were awarded the ‘Outstanding Service Award’ at the Scottish Green Energy Awards for their world-class service to Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal energy developers, held at the Edinburgh International Conference centre on 5th December 2019.

The event attended by over 1200 guests boasted some of the biggest companies in the renewable offshore marine industry and showcased the incredible innovation, commitment and passion of those working within the industry over the past 12 months.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Once again, the Scottish Green Energy Awards showcase the truly incredible innovation, drive and passion of those working within our industry.

“The diverse range of projects shortlisted tonight highlights the phenomenal skillset of our industry – one which continues to push the boundaries of innovation, maintaining Scotland’s place as a world leader in renewable energy.

“The commitment, knowledge and hard work of those within the industry is making a significant positive impact on Scotland’s economy as we continue to mitigate carbon emissions and work towards achieving net-zero by 2045.

Jason Schofield, Managing Director of Green Marine, said: “To win this prestigious award came as a complete shock at the awards event, we were shortlisted amongst some of the best supply chain companies in the world.

For Green Marine to win this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, also recognising the excellent client and supplier base that we have built up over the years”

LiftEx heads for Liverpool in October 2020

Monday, 9th December 2019

The 16th annual LiftEx and the 3rd LEEA Awards will take place on 13–14 October 2020, at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre, UK.

As flagship event for The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), LiftEx inspires, educates and unites the industry through educational and technical sessions, presentations on innovation, a packed exhibition floor and the must-attend LEEA Awards dinner.

Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA commented: “We will return to Liverpool for the first time since 2015, following on from two tremendous years in Milton Keynes. The dates in October 2020 present the perfect opportunity in the Lifting Industry calendar for our global community to gather at this great location in Liverpool.”

The Lifting Industry congregated at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 13-14 November for LiftEx 2019. Social media was buzzing throughout the event with many reports of a successful show. For example, Lift Turn Move tweeted: “Our sales team have really enjoyed LiftEx. Great to see so many of our lovely customers and suppliers. We are looking forward to next year’s LiftEx on our doorstep in Liverpool!” Reid Lifting announced: “We had an amazing time at LiftEx and enjoyed meeting all of you!”and Lifting Store summed things up nicely with: “And that’s LiftEx over for another year, and what a great show it was! #Mega.”

Ross Moloney concluded: “I was impressed by the vibrant atmosphere at this year’s event generated by the huge amount of networking going on among the plethora of new products and technologies on display from the exhibitors. I am thrilled to have received immensely positive feedback on the successful 2019 LiftEx, and extend LEEA’s gratitude to our organisers, sponsors, partners, speakers, exhibitors and visitors who made LiftEx 2019 a highly successful two days. We all look forward to seeing you in Liverpool in 2020.”

Recapping on a great Flood Expo event

Friday, 6th December 2019

Following the successful Flood Expo exhibition that took place 11th – 12th September at the NEC, Birmingham IMH recalls its takeaways from the show as they begin looking to the 2020 events calendar.

The Flood Expo was a perfect opportunity for IMH to showcase its involvement with the Boston flood defence barrier project.

The project has seen IMH apply its expertise to develop a hydraulic solution to power two 57 tonne cylinders – which we believe are the largest cylinders to be manufactured in Europe – that are able to lift a 300+ tonne horizontal sector gate into position in just 20 minutes.
Attendees to the show were invited to IMH’s seminar on the technical engineering challenges of developing a tidal control system in Boston, which was presented by company founder, Paul Griffiths MBE and Commercial Director, Ian Duffew. In the presentation IMH highlighted the challenges faced by the residents and businesses of Boston who were often under threat of tidal flooding.

IMH then introduced its response to the project, which was to design, manufacture and install a total of three hydraulic power units. To power the units, 800 metres of stainless-steel pipework was required which the company fabricated at a dedicated facility near its base in Middlesbrough, UK.

Across the two days on the stand the IMH team were kept busy with great discussions with exhibitors and attendees about its hydraulic expertise, which can be applied to any project where there is a hydraulic need – great or small.

To learn more about IMH’s hydraulic engineering solutions and to see examples of the projects the team has been involved in explore the company’s case studies.

Local Specialist Plant Hire Firm takes part in World War II Rescue Mission

Friday, 6th December 2019

Shropshire based specialist plant hire firm, WM Plant Hire were privileged to be a key part of the team involved in the unearthing and careful excavation of an iconic World War II plane in Essex last Saturday.

The RAF MK1 Hawker Hurricane fighter plane recovered is one of the last of the 1940s war planes to fly in the Battle of Britain sent up on August 26th, 1940 to defend the country’s airfields against the Luftwaffe.

The 21-year-old pilot, Paddy Hemmingway survived this and was shot down several more times during the war, showing true bravery and steely determination and now lives in Ireland aged 99. He is one of the last 5 surviving Battle of Britain pilots. He was hit from behind after a dog fight with the Luftwaffe and with his engine in flames decided to bail, thankfully landing safely. His plane plummeted some 17,000 feet to the ground landing near the Thames Estuary close to Basildon.

Many decades after the crash, a team using modern imaging technology has been able find and then secure permission to excavate the plane. After 80 years it is “…quite unique to find one in these ground conditions where it's almost all still there," said project co-ordinator Gareth Jones.

Alongside other volunteers from Shropshire, WM Plant Hire supplied their specialist low ground pressure long reach machine on Saturday, ideal for excavating some 5 metres down into the soft ground of the salt marshes, recovering the plane piece by piece. These fragments of the plane including part of the famous Merlin engine, with Rolls Royce plate still attached, will now be carefully cleaned and restored. The hope is that if enough can be salvaged the plane might even be rebuilt, forming part of a TV documentary series.

The Midlands based company’s specialist excavating equipment and experienced operators are regularly involved in heritage restoration works nationally, including projects for the National Trust, English Heritage together with emergency works.

Damian McGettrick, of WM Plant Hire, said “It was great to be involved with such a prestigious and historic event and the entire team were rewarded with such a significant find.”

Author: CGTeam

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