Underwater Services at Piraeus anchorage, Greece. Our competitive advantages for the area of Piraeus

Wednesday, 10th May 2023

The company Bevaldia provides underwater services in the area of Piraeus, Greece. Its international experience in underwater service such as hull cleaning operations, allows it to perform hull cleaning with New Zealand standards. It enables it to issue reports suitable to submit to charterers, Port Authorities, ship owners, and other requirements that marine companies or charterers necessitate.

The company is approved by all the IACS as well as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 certified by BV, and ISO 37001:2016 TÜV AUSTRIA.

Bevaldia is trusted by a huge portfolio of customers; supporting underwater services in more than 25 countries in the world.

It follows all safety protocols, health safety policies, code of ethics, and anti-bribery policies, as well as confidential protection essential protocols which must be followed in all the operations of this level.

All the agency requirements are covered for vessels’ Port Call Entry to Piraeus.

The team is made up of highly experienced diving personnel, state-of-the-art hull cleaning equipment, and propeller polishing equipment, while all procedures are followed as per the ISO protocols.

Furthermore, Bevaldia provides and covers a wide range of dry services, such as cleaning above the waterline, repairs by welding, NDT inspections, vessel renaming services, and more.

Belvadia Underwater Services

Bevaldia offers a comprehensive range of underwater services in Greece, catering to the diverse needs of vessel owners and operators. Their skilled divers and technicians are equipped to handle various tasks beneath the waterline, ensuring the optimal performance and integrity of maritime assets.

Hull cleaning is a primary service provided by Bevaldia, aimed at removing marine fouling from vessel hulls to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, their propeller polishing service focuses on enhancing propeller performance by eliminating roughness and optimising blade profiles.

Bevaldia also offers plugging services to address leaks and damages in underwater structures, along with anodes replacement to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of vessel components. Rudder repair and propeller repair are among their specialties, addressing damages and inefficiencies to ensure safe and efficient vessel operation.

Moreover, their underwater welding capabilities enable them to conduct repairs and modifications to hulls and underwater structures, ensuring structural integrity and seaworthiness. Hull inspections are another vital service offered by Bevaldia, providing detailed assessments of vessel hulls to identify damages, defects, and potential areas of concern.

With a commitment to excellence and reliability, Bevaldia’s underwater services play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of maritime operations in Greece. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them a trusted partner for underwater solutions in the region.

The Importance of Hull Cleaning

Hull cleaning is of paramount importance in the offshore marine industry, serving as a critical maintenance practice that directly impacts vessel performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. As highlighted on the Bevaldia website, the buildup of marine fouling on a vessel’s hull can have detrimental effects on its hydrodynamic performance, resulting in increased drag and fuel consumption. This can significantly diminish vessel speed and manoeuvrability, leading to longer transit times and higher operational costs.

Moreover, marine fouling can also compromise the structural integrity of the hull, accelerating corrosion and deterioration over time. Regular hull cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of fouling organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mussels, thereby preserving the integrity of the vessel’s hull and extending its operational lifespan.

In addition to enhancing vessel performance and longevity, hull cleaning also plays a crucial role in minimising the environmental impact of maritime operations. By reducing fuel consumption and emissions associated with increased drag, clean hulls contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint.

Furthermore, maintaining a clean hull is essential for compliance with environmental regulations and international standards governing vessel performance and emissions. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in penalties, fines, and reputational damage for shipping companies and operators.

Overall, hull cleaning is a fundamental practice in the offshore marine industry, ensuring optimal vessel performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By prioritising regular hull maintenance, shipowners and operators can minimise operational costs, reduce environmental impact, and uphold regulatory compliance.

Associated Listing:

Kenc Engineering Chosen for Design and Fabrication Monopile Upending Tool

Wednesday, 10th May 2023

On the 10th of March, Kenc Engineering has been awarded a contract from an international marine contractor, to design and build a Flange Mounted Upending Tool (FMUT). The FMUT will be deployed on a jack-up vessel and used for various upcoming projects.

Kenc Engineering was requested to develop a versatile tool that can assist in the upending, down-ending, and lifting of monopiles with various weights and dimensions. The FMUT can handle diameters of 7,5 – 8 meters and is designed for a SWL of 1600t.

The FMUT will be delivered in December 2023 including a sea fastening cradle and will be deployed for the first time at a UK offshore wind farm project.

Kenc Engineering Netherlands

Kenc Engineering Company in the Netherlands is a multifaceted firm offering a comprehensive suite of engineering services, including mechanical engineering, structural engineering, marine engineering, and fabrication. With two decades of experience, they have honed their expertise to cater specifically to the global offshore energy industry.

In mechanical engineering, Kenc Engineering specialises in designing and developing bespoke equipment tailored to the unique needs of their clients. This includes intricate machinery and systems essential for offshore energy operations, such as pumps, turbines, and hydraulic systems.

Their structural engineering division focuses on the design and analysis of robust and durable structures to withstand the harsh marine environment. This encompasses offshore platforms, subsea installations, and other critical infrastructure integral to offshore energy production.

In marine engineering, Kenc excels in the design and optimisation of maritime systems and equipment, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and safety in offshore environments.

Additionally, Kenc offers fabrication services, leveraging their extensive experience to oversee the fabrication process from start to finish. They collaborate closely with clients to select the best fabricator, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of equipment as turnkey projects.

By providing a seamless integration of design and fabrication services, Kenc offers clients unparalleled convenience and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their core operations while Kenc handles the intricate details of engineering and fabrication projects.

Merlin Group orders 135m dry cargo vessel from Concordia Damen

Wednesday, 26th April 2023

Inland navigation shipyard Concordia Damen (NL) will build a ‘Type CDS443’ container ship for ID Shipping and Merlin Group. The vessel measures 135 x 14.20 m and is the first vessel of this type, which is an improved version of an existing hull shape.

This design has been further developed over the past two years: the updated hull shape leads to 20% fuel savings. Efficiency and sustainability considerations and cargo capacity were the deciding factors for Merlin Group to contract Concordia Damen. Besides the Dutch and Belgian markets, the vessel will be deployed on the Rhine River.

Merlin Group, a company of Dutch inland shipping entrepreneur Jan Kleine, is not a traditional shipping company, Instead it is set up as a ‘participation company’, i.e. every vessel in the fleet is a joint endeavour of Merlin and a partner.

With a fleet of currently 9 marine vessels Merlin Group mainly operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland and is now expanding its fleet to put its sustainability aspirations into practice.

Concordia Damen – Doing business together

Since 1995, Merlin Group has been primarily engaged in the operation of inland shipping barges, participating and investing in shipping projects, and providing management and administrative support to its participants.

Each vessel in the fleet is an equal participation between Merlin Group and a captain co-owner. Kleine: “The operational partners sail the vessel; they handle operations and staffing. We handle the commercial support for the ship. Nevertheless, I still sail regularly myself. I wouldn’t want to miss that for the world.”

The concept is very suitable for both young skippers and inland navigation entrepreneurs who want to grow. Kleine: “A captain just leaving school is a professional, but not yet an entrepreneur. Both financially and organisationally it can be difficult to just buy a ship and start.

We offer the network, the market knowledge and the financial stability. By entering into a partnership you can start or grow with confidence. Together we run the business, the ship.”

10 percent more 40-foot capacity

Merlin Group and co-owners Danny and Ilse van Deurzen of ID Shipping are clear about the reasons for choosing this Concordia Damen newbuild. Danny van Deurzen says: “The energy transition is in full swing and we think we should actively be involved. This ‘next generation’ ship fits well with that ambition. Thanks to the efficiently designed hull shape, we will soon consume up to 20% less fuel and thus also emit less CO2 and other substances.”

Cargo capacity has also been expanded in the CDS443. Kleine: “There is room for 18 container lengths to be placed in the hold instead of the usual 17. So the 40-foot capacity is 10% larger! We chose to sail with diesel-electric propulsion, but Concordia Damen is building the vessel in such a way that it is already prepared for full-electric propulsion.”

Chris Kornet, Managing Director Concordia Damen, is very pleased with this contract: “Both family businesses have known each other for years. We are very grateful that Merlin Group has once again chosen Concordia Damen.”

Jan Kleine confirms this: “Our family has worked with Chris and the yard since time immemorial. Relations are good and we have always been satisfied with their ships and service; already for 20 years our collaboration has worked very well.”

Kornet: “It is interesting to see that more and more shipping companies not only have to think about the energy transition but also want to do so. With this contract, too, we see that we have taken the right path with the designs we currently offer, which we have developed in-house.

The models that are currently doing well have a favourable speed-power curve and more cargo capacity than comparable vessels due to their efficient hull shape, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

Also, those designs leave ample room for customisation based on customer requirements, both in terms of accommodation and propulsion types, which we can adjust quite easily if and when customers, market developments or regulations demand it.”

Associated Listing:

Concordia Group

Ocean Business 2023 back with a bang!

Wednesday, 26th April 2023

Ocean science and technology experts from around the world descended on Southampton last week for the biggest ever Ocean Business exhibition and conference.

Record crowds of more than 5,000 gathered at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) for three days of ground-breaking innovation, exciting product launches and quayside demonstrations as Ocean Business 2023 welcomed visitors from more than 80 countries to the Solent.

Returning to its spring slot post-Covid, Ocean Business – last staged in autumn 2021 – saw 300 exhibitors, nearly 150 hours of live demonstrations, and a thought-provoking conference programme, reuniting an international roll-call of technology pioneers, game-changing manufacturers and innovative service providers.

Show organiser Cheri Arvonio said this year’s event had exceeded all expectations and the feedback from participants had been fantastic.

‘The stars were aligned for this year’s show and it was wonderful to see so many friends, Ocean Business regulars and, since we last got together, an emerging generation of innovators.

‘Exhibitors reported brisk business, renewing old acquaintances and forging new friendships, and many of the classroom sessions and dockside demonstrations were packed out. People were evidently enjoying meeting up, inside and outside the main exhibition spaces. Even the sun shone for most of the week!’

Ever more sophisticated robotics were on display in the water, with all-day ROV demonstrations highlighting the rapid pace of development in the industry.

Robosys Automation demonstrated its AI solutions for future shipping; Chelsea Technologies presented LabSTAF, its instrumentation measuring phytoplankton primary productivity, on board Callista, NOC’s purpose-built research vessel; and Maritime Robotics staged separate demos of its Otter Pro USV with Kongsberg, Teledyne and Norbit multibeam systems.

Kongsberg’s Richard Mills said collaboration in the sector was key: ‘We have to work together because there is no one company that can do everything.’

On the first day of the show, Kongsberg unveiled its new business, Kongsberg Discovery, dedicated to delivering advanced ocean robotics and sensor technology.

Mills, head of sales and marketing for the Americas, said there had been ‘a really positive response’ to the new venture and its branding, the result of an in-house competition.

‘We wanted a name that says what we do but doesn’t limit us. It’s all about exploration and finding out new ways of doing things, new technologies, new information.’

As always, Ocean Business provided a platform for product launches, among them Valeport’s SWiFT profiler, which can measure depths of 6,000m; Blue Robotics’ BlueBoat USV, described as ‘the planet’s most affordable robotic surface vessel’; and Sonardyne’s next stage Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), with integrated modem for communications and positioning.

Sonardyne’s Tom Bennetts said the new ADCPs were a significant advance in ocean current profiling technology, analysing data in real time: ‘Now we can talk to the ADCP when it’s on the seabed and check it’s collecting the right data.’

New partnerships formed at Ocean Business 2023 included Saildrone, a leading provider of USVs, and Nippon backed Seabed 2030, which signed an MOU to collaborate on the effort to map the entire ocean floor.

Steve Hall of Seabed 2030 said, with 23.4% of the ocean mapped by last year, Saildrone’s long-range uncrewed ocean mapping operations would help fill the gaps in global knowledge.

‘There’s a marriage of robotic technology with traditional methods. Saildrone vessels let the wind do the propulsion so they don’t waste battery power, and therefore can go for weeks at a time.’

Over at the Canada pavilion, Nova Scotia based Dartmouth Ocean Technologies (DOT), a manufacturer of oceanographic instruments, announced a new partnership with NatureMetrics, a nature intelligence and environmental DNA company.

Cathy Williams, at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, said 16 Canadian companies were represented on the stand: ‘We’re thrilled to be back here again, the traffic has been amazing and our companies are elated with the quality of the attendance.’

Facilitating future business relationships, Innovate UK Edge hosted the popular B2B matchmaking event, the biggest to date, said organiser Tim Benzie.

‘It’s a different way of networking, like speed dating, with plenty of CEOs and MDs participating. It gives busy people a chance to sit down together away from the exhibition floor.’

Alongside the exhibition and demonstrations, speakers and expert panels drawn from across the sector shared ideas to help shape the future of ocean technology.

PopEye Labs’ team of five from the University of Pennsylvania flew in on the Red Eye to present their breakthrough technology, the first step towards autonomous anchoring for large commercial vessels. Afterwards, they said they were approached by ‘a variety of industry experts’ expressing an interest, making the trip well worth the effort.
And the Society for Underwater Technology, which hosted a ‘Routes for Innovation in the Defence Market’ session, said: ‘It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of professionals coming together to explore and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the subsea defence industry.’

Helping make Ocean Business a success was the Society of Marine Industries (SMI), whose team and members had ‘a highly productive week’, according to SMI’s Emma Johnson.

‘SMI is proud to support such a brilliant marine science and technology show, it was great to be able to catch up with members and meet many potential new members too. The quality of the visitors was great and the buzz is certainly back – bring on 2025!’

Phil Bishop, head of commercial development at NOC, said it had been a pleasure to welcome the thousands of visitors to the National Oceanography Centre.

‘As well as discovering the latest developments in the ocean technology field, Ocean Business is one of the most vibrant industry networking opportunities of the year. We were particularly pleased this year to host our NOC Innovations conference, giving us the opportunity to present the cutting-edge insights and technology being developed by researchers and engineers here at NOC, and their ongoing impact in the real world.

‘There has been an incredible amount of excitement and activity throughout all three days of the event and we are already looking forward to Ocean Business returning to NOC in 2025.’

And Tim Minshull, chairing MARELEC 2023, the international conference on marine electromagnetics, held in conjunction with Ocean Business for the first time, said they had seen a wide range of ‘excellent presentations’.

‘It brought together a diverse group of researchers and technologists from across the UK, Europe, the US and elsewhere who are unlikely to meet each other in any other venue.’

Ocean Business 2025 will take place at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, from April 8-10. Visit https://www.oceanbusiness.com

Associated Exhibition:

Southbay Civil Engineering receive the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East Medium Project of the Year award

Monday, 17th April 2023

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited are proud to announce that they have received the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East Medium Project of the Year award, for the recently delivered Tyne Dock Enterprise Park Quay Wall scheme . The award was presented to the project team at the ICE North East annual dinner.

This technically challenging design and build contract involved the construction of a new 113m quay wall, complete with anchorage system, deck slab and quayside facilities. The project was delivered across a site that included challenging ground conditions, which were the result of unknown historic structures associated with its former industrial heritage.

The new quay wall will enable the mooring of Service Operation Vessels, which will be used in the operation and maintenance of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which once complete, will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world.

Managing Director of Southbay Civil Engineering Paul Stephenson commented ‘We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, which recognises the hard work by the project team in delivering this technically challenging contract. By maintaining a collaborative working environment with our delivery partners, we were able to utilise the specialist skills and experience of all involved to the benefit of the contract’.

Southbay Civil Engineering

Southbay Civil Engineering is a prominent provider of marine engineering solutions, specialising in a wide range of services tailored to the marine industry. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Southbay Civil Engineering offers comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs of clients in the maritime sector.

As detailed on their website, SCE offers a variety of services specifically designed for the marine industry. These include marine construction, dredging, coastal protection, harbor maintenance, and port infrastructure development. Their team of skilled professionals utilises advanced technologies and innovative techniques to deliver projects efficiently and to the highest standards.

One of the key strengths of SCE lies in their ability to undertake complex marine projects from concept to completion. Whether it’s constructing new port facilities, maintaining harbor infrastructure, or implementing coastal protection measures, they have the capabilities and expertise to deliver results that exceed client expectations.

Furthermore, Southbay Civil Engineering is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all their marine projects. They prioritise eco-friendly practices and adhere to strict environmental regulations to minimize their impact on marine ecosystems and coastal environments.

Overall, Southbay Civil Engineering is a trusted partner for clients in the marine industry, offering reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions to meet their maritime infrastructure needs. With their dedication to excellence and proven track record of success, they continue to be a leading provider of marine engineering services in the UK.

Associated Listing:

Glasdon Launch New eBook: Get a Handle on Specifying Cycle Storage

Monday, 3rd April 2023

Offering exponential health, social and financial benefits, cycling is proven to be a rewarding method of travel. But with cycling also comes the need for safe, secure, and reliable storage solutions.

From cycling racks and stands to bike compounds and enclosures, there is a wide range of contemporary and traditional forms of cycle storage available to choose from.

UK manufacturer, Glasdon, compiled this eBook to help answer all the questions you may have when choosing your ideal cycle storage facility.

In the guide, they delve into the facts about cycling to explore:

How commuting on a bike can provide a win-win situation for both employer and employee.
The criteria that should be met and the questions that need answering before installing a storage facility.
What types of facilities are available to you.

The Importance of Cycling

Cycling holds significant importance for both physical health and ease of travel, offering a myriad of benefits to individuals and communities alike. From improving cardiovascular fitness and strengthening muscles to reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being, cycling is a low-impact exercise that promotes overall health and wellness.

Regular cycling helps to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, while also improving joint mobility and flexibility. It provides a convenient way to incorporate physical activity into daily routines, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Moreover, cycling offers an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation that reduces carbon emissions and promotes cleaner air quality. As cities increasingly prioritise cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and shared paths, cycling becomes a viable alternative to driving, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Additionally, cycling promotes community connectivity and social interaction, as cyclists often gather for group rides or participate in cycling events and initiatives. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging while encouraging active lifestyles and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, cycling plays a crucial role in promoting individual and community health, providing a convenient, affordable, and sustainable mode of transportation that benefits both people and the planet. By embracing cycling as part of daily life, individuals can enjoy improved health outcomes while contributing to a greener and more vibrant society.

The Benefits of Cycle Storage

Cycle storage offers numerous benefits for both individuals and communities, promoting cycling as a convenient, sustainable, and healthy mode of transportation. Firstly, cycle storage provides a safe and secure place for cyclists to store their bikes, reducing the risk of theft and vandalism. This encourages more people to cycle, knowing that their bikes are protected and easily accessible.

Moreover, cycle storage helps to declutter public spaces by providing designated areas for bike parking, reducing sidewalk congestion and promoting pedestrian safety. By encouraging cycling, cycle storage also contributes to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier cities.

Cycle storage shelters, such as those offered by Glasdon, provide additional benefits by protecting bikes from the elements, such as rain, snow, and UV exposure. This helps to extend the lifespan of bicycles and reduces the need for maintenance and repairs.

Furthermore, cycle storage shelters can enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces, providing a sleek and modern design that complements the surrounding environment. This makes cycle storage an attractive addition to public areas, workplaces, schools, and other locations where cycling is encouraged.

Overall, cycle storage plays a vital role in promoting cycling as a viable transportation option, offering convenience, security, and protection for cyclists and their bikes. By investing in cycle storage infrastructure, communities can create more bike-friendly environments and reap the numerous benefits of cycling for individuals and society as a whole.

The full eBook is available to download below for free.

Associated Listing:

Collett Complete South Kyle Wind Farm

Monday, 3rd April 2023

Located 5km to the East of Dalmellington, lying within both East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway, Collett have completed the delivery of 50 Nordex N133 wind turbines to South Kyle Wind Farm.

Under construction by Swedish multi-national power generation company Vattenfall, South Kyle’s 50 turbine site is the company’s largest onshore wind farm in the UK in terms of power generation.

Appointed to undertake the delivery of the 450 components required to construct the fifty 84 metre hub height Nordex N133 turbines, both the Port of Ayr and King George V Dock were used to store and handle components.

The heavier of the components, namely the 68 Tonne nacelles, 73 Tonne drive trains and the 63 Tonne hubs arrived at King George V Dock, with the lighter components, including the 18 Tonne blades and the 150 individual tower sections arriving at the Port of Ayr.

At both ports, each of the components were discharged from the vessel to a precise laydown plan, allowing Collett Team to access each in line with the wind farm’s construction schedule.

Utilising a combination of 6-axle trailers, 7-axle trailers, 8-axle trailers, 2x tower transporter clamp trailers and 3x super wing carriers from across the Collett fleet, the Project Team transported the components to site, approximately 5km East of Dalmellington town.

On site, Collett had an additional Team in place to undertake tower transport operations across the 50 turbine site, delivering each of the tower sections to their respective crane pads for a just in time for installation service.

With a total of 6 heavy haulage tractor units and 6 steersman/escort vehicles in operation throughout, each of the 67, 48 & 50 Tonne tower sections, along with the 65 metre blades travelled in overnight convoys in order to minimise road traffic congestion from both ports and in the surrounding areas.

Travelling under Police Scotland and Collett private escort from both ports of entry, Collett planned and executed 450 abnormal load movements. Operating seven days a week (as required), and with Police escort resources high in demand and low in frequency, Collett requested double runs in order to maximise deliveries with the limited resources available.

The Team alternated between tower convoys, blades and nacelle sets as per demand required on site, until all 450 wind turbine components were successfully delivered.

Throughout the entire project, Collett provided a dedicated Project Management Team to successfully handle all aspects of South Kyle Wind Farm, from the initial route surveys to the arrival of the components and through to final delivery.

Over the course of the project Collett have handled and transported 150 tower sections, 50 nacelles, 50 hubs, 50 drive trains and 150 blades to South Kyle Wind Farm.

Expected to be operational in 2023, the 50 Nordex N133 turbines feature a 133.2m rotor with a swept area of 13,935m2. With a capacity of 240MW, South Kyle Wind Farm is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the demands of approximately 170,000 homes annually, while offsetting up to 300,000t of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Associated Listing:

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems expands sales team

Thursday, 23rd March 2023

Pontoon manufacturer and water access specialist, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Bryan Stewart, expanding its sales team in the UK.

In his new role as Sales Manager for the central and northern areas of the UK and Wales, Bryan will focus on business development as well as supporting the company’s offices in Southampton and Lossiemouth in Scotland.

“I am really pleased to come on board at Inland and Coastal Marina Systems,” says Bryan. “Oliver and his team have built a highly respected brand with a fantastic reputation for the highest quality and service, and I am looking forward to playing my part in the next phase of the business’ growth.”

Oliver Shortall, Managing Director at ICMS, comments: “We’ve known Bryan for several years, working closely with him on the Seabin Project. We’re now building on that relationship to work together on our primary business of creating high-quality pontoon and breakwater systems for leisure and commercial use.

“Bryan’s experience in the marine industry, sales expertise and knowledge of our product range will enable us to offer our bespoke water access systems across as greater geographical area, and support our busy sales and engineering teams.”

Well known within the marine industry, Bryan has extensive experience supporting high profile marine and environmental brands with sales and marketing activities, including Wave International, the Seabin Project and Gill.

Associated Listing:

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems sponsors the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge, supporting The Seafarers Charity

Thursday, 23rd March 2023

Committed to providing safe water access for all workers afloat, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) is sponsoring the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge.

The pontoon specialist announced its support of Mark Ashley-Miller’s bid to sail around the British Isles to meet every Harbour Master in the UK and Ireland at the UK Harbour Masters’ Association’s Spring Conference yesterday.

For the last three and a half years, Mark has been sailing his 34ft Nauticat, Good Dog, clockwise around the UK. Raising money for The Seafarers Charity as he goes, Mark’s journey has so far taken him into every river and creek in England, Scotland, and Wales where he has received a friendly welcome in over 250 harbours and ports.

It is estimated that there are nearly 300 Harbour Masters in Britain and Ireland, although the exact number is not known as there is no official register. The support ICMS brings to the challenge will enable Mark to continue his quest and finish the 8,000 nautical mile challenge by circumnavigating Ireland and visiting the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

“Harbour Masters have a vary varied role, from welcoming vessels as they enter a harbour to being responsible for the overall safety of anyone getting afloat within their designated area of authority,” says Oliver Shortall, Managing Director at ICMS.

“By supporting Mark, and following him on his adventures, we hope to gain a greater insight into the safety challenges faced by harbours masters and further understand their changing requirements to provide safe water access to harbour users, whether that’s CTV crews for offshore windfarms, sailors on recreational yachts, or paddleboards and kayakers.”

Mark comments: “I am very pleased to be supported in my challenge by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems. The provision of high-quality pontoons in a harbour makes it much more attractive to visiting yachts, not to mention the safety aspect for commercial use. I look forward to having them at my side as I circumnavigate Ireland and raise more money for The Seafarers’ Charity in 2023.”

Mark has raised nearly £20,000 for The Seafarers’ Charity, a non-profit organisation which supports those who work – or have worked – at sea, and their families. With a specific focus on safety, the charity tackles the root causes of seafarer hardship and disadvantage in the UK and around the world.

“Through our collaboration with Mark, we now have greater awareness of the life-changing work that The Seafarers’ Charity does. In addition to supporting the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge, we have decided to support The Seafarers’ Charity directly, designating it as our chosen charity for 2023,” continues Oliver.

“As a business, we help many seafarers get to work by providing safe access to commercial boats and fishing vessels. By donating and raising money for The Seafarers’ Charity, we want to ensure that they’re looked after and supported while they’re afloat too.”

Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarer’s Charity, comments: “We are absolutely delighted that Inland and Coastal Marina Systems has chosen to support our long-standing fundraiser, Mark Ashley Miller, in the final year of his Harbour Master Challenge. We are also very grateful for their donation to our charity and look forward to developing our partnership with them throughout the rest of the year as their chosen Charity of the Year.”

To support the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge donations can be made via https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/harbour-master-sailing-challenge
or via https://harbourmastersailingchallenge.co.uk

To find out more about The Seafarers Charity visit https://www.theseafarerscharity.org

To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options visit https://inlandandcoastal.com or email sales@inlandandcoastal.com

Associated Listing:

Stay ahead of the curve at LiftEx Regional in Sydney

Thursday, 23rd March 2023

LiftEx Regional takes place over two days on 24th & 25th May 2023, at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney. The first ever event for LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) in the Australia and New Zealand region will provide a unique opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to network, learn and discover new opportunities in the constantly evolving Lifting Industry.

Featuring the latest thinking and expert speakers from local industry and abroad, the conference-led event, with a supporting expo, will examine the future by addressing complex issues relating to staffing, compliance and business practices.

Charles Brass, a leading Futurist in Australia, and a regular commentator on the future in print and on radio and TV, will deliver the keynote presentation. As the Chairman of the Futures Foundation, the professional association for Australia’s practising futurists, Charles is ideally placed to identify the forces and trends shaping Australia’s future.

This will set the agenda for content on Day 1 of LiftEx Regional, which will focus on the future of lifting, examining how automation and technology will affect the industry, together with acquiring and retaining the future workforce, and sustainability.

Growth in mining, oil & gas, construction and infrastructure projects – in addition to greater safety requirements – are resulting in the development of new and improved devices and technologies. They will service a growing demand for heavier, more complex lifts and a reduced number of cycles with a view to gain further efficiency.

‘Smart’ embedded technologies help prevent accidents, optimise lift efficiency, and reduce unforeseen maintenance and service costs. Other advances include additive manufacturing, 3D printing, non-destructive testing, intelligent lifting devices feeding back real-time data to operators, as well as augmented and virtual reality as a genuine tool in our industry for training and inspections.

How quickly we can expect to see these advanced technologies become mainstream will be addressed at the event, which will also ask questions such as do we have the required workforce? And what does a lifting equipment testing, inspection and certification professional of 2030 or 2035 look like?

On the evening of Day 1 there will be a networking drinks reception overlooking Darling Harbour for all attendees. Day 2, which is morning only, will focus on member-led content and important regional LEEA announcements, which will be first heard at the event.

The future-looking LiftEx Regional event in Sydney provides a unique opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to network, say ahead of the curve and learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

Author: CGTeam

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