Jotron Highlights the Importance of Personal Locator Beacons

Thursday, 30th July 2026

As maritime operations move further offshore and crews increasingly work beyond the reach of mobile networks, reliable emergency communication remains a fundamental part of risk management.

Jotron, a global provider of safety and communication solutions for the maritime and offshore sectors, is highlighting the role Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can play in improving individual safety during emergencies at sea.

Unlike mobile phones, which rely on terrestrial network coverage, a PLB communicates via the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. Once activated, the beacon transmits a distress signal on the protected 406 MHz emergency frequency, together with GPS coordinates where available, allowing rescue coordination centres to quickly identify the location of a person in distress.

“Every minute matters during an emergency, particularly in offshore and cold-water environments,” says Jotron. “A Personal Locator Beacon provides an independent means of alerting search and rescue authorities when conventional communications are unavailable.”

Individual Protection at Sea

While Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are designed to protect an entire vessel, PLBs are intended to protect the individual. Their compact size allows them to be carried on a lifejacket, immersion suit or workwear, making them particularly valuable during man-overboard incidents or when personnel become separated from the vessel.

This makes PLBs well suited for commercial fishing crews, offshore energy personnel, pilots, survey teams and other professionals working in challenging marine environments.

Modern PLBs also transmit a secondary 121.5 MHz homing signal, enabling rescue helicopters and vessels to accurately locate the casualty during the final stages of a rescue operation.

Supporting a Strong Safety Culture

As offshore operations continue to evolve, many operators are strengthening their safety procedures by complementing vessel-based emergency equipment with personal safety devices.

Jotron believes Personal Locator Beacons should be considered as part of a wider emergency preparedness strategy, alongside approved life-saving appliances, emergency communications equipment and crew training.

Each PLB must be registered with the appropriate national authority so that rescue services have immediate access to ownership and emergency contact information, helping to streamline response efforts when an alert is received.

Proven Technology for Critical Situations

The Cospas-Sarsat satellite system has supported search and rescue operations worldwide for more than four decades, contributing to thousands of successful rescues. By providing a direct link to this global distress network, Personal Locator Beacons offer an additional layer of protection for personnel operating in remote maritime environments where mobile communication cannot be relied upon.

For organisations committed to safeguarding their workforce, personal satellite distress beacons represent an important investment in preparedness and resilience. As Jotron continues to develop technologies that support emergency communications and search and rescue operations, the company remains focused on helping protect lives at sea through reliable, proven safety solutions.

Associated Listing:

Film-Ocean Expands in UK with New Newcastle Office

Tuesday, 28th July 2026

Subsea ROV inspection and intervention specialist expands UK presence with new operational base in Newcastle to enhance project delivery and support growing demand across the offshore energy sector.

Subsea ROV inspection and intervention specialist Film-Ocean has opened a new office at Cobalt Business Exchange near Newcastle, marking another milestone in the company’s continued growth and reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients across the UK offshore energy sector.

The North East of England has become an increasingly important hub for the subsea and offshore energy industry, offering a strong and growing pool of expertise in ROV project management and technical support. By establishing a presence in the region, Film-Ocean gains direct access to this talent, further strengthening its operational capability as demand for its specialist ROV services continues to increase both in the UK and internationally.

The Newcastle office will serve as an operational and project delivery base, enhancing project oversight, expanding Film-Ocean’s technical support capabilities, and fostering closer collaboration with clients and partners throughout the region. The investment provides clients with greater confidence in the company’s ability to deliver high-quality services while supporting continued business growth.

Sustainability also played a key role in the selection of the new location. Film-Ocean integrates environmental responsibility throughout its operations, beginning with its Aberdeenshire headquarters, Ocean House, which was designed with energy efficiency at its core. The company sought a North East base that reflected these same values, making Cobalt Business Exchange an ideal choice. Located within a 39-acre biodiversity park featuring wildflower meadows, extensive wildlife habitats, and supported by carbon reduction and sustainable travel initiatives, the site aligns closely with Film-Ocean’s environmental commitments.

Sophie Bryce, Commercial Manager at Film-Ocean, said:

“Expanding our UK footprint to Newcastle is about being closer to our clients and easier to work with — faster response times, closer day-to-day collaboration, and more capacity to take on new projects. Sustainability was also front of mind when choosing where to base our new office. Cobalt’s environmental credentials mean our growth in North East England is happening in a way that’s consistent with how we operate at Ocean House in Aberdeenshire, and with the values our clients increasingly expect from their supply chain partners.”

The opening of the Newcastle office represents an important step in Film-Ocean’s long-term growth strategy, strengthening its UK operational network while ensuring the company remains well positioned to supply ROV services to the evolving offshore energy industry.

Associated Listing:

Kaymac Marine crowned UK’s Specialist Contractor of the Year

Tuesday, 14th July 2026

Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering wins prestigious national New Civil Engineer Award during landmark 50th anniversary year

A Swansea engineering company has been named the UK’s Specialist Contractor of the Year 2026, beating more than 100 entries from across the country to secure one of the construction industry’s highest honours.

Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering received the award at the prestigious New Civil Engineer Awards, held at the Hilton London, where more than 1,000 leaders from the civil engineering and infrastructure sectors gathered to celebrate excellence across the industry.

The national accolade comes during Kaymac’s 50th anniversary year and recognises the company’s outstanding contribution to delivering complex marine and civil engineering projects across the United Kingdom.

Judges praised Kaymac for its technical expertise, innovation and commitment to engineering excellence, stating: “Kaymac Marine and Civil Engineering clearly demonstrated how it is delivering a step change in performance through a passionate and charismatic submission and presentation. The judges extend their congratulations on this award and on Kaymac’s 50th anniversary in business this year.”

A key factor in the company’s success was its award submission and live presentation, which were researched, written and presented by Business Development and Marketing Director Rhiannon Crees-Moore. Presenting before a panel of four industry judges, she showcased Kaymac’s achievements, culture and vision for the future before later returning to the stage to collect the national award on behalf of the company.

Rhiannon said: “To be named Specialist Contractor of the Year from more than 100 entries is an incredible honour and one that means so much to everyone at Kaymac. Preparing the submission and presenting our story to the judges was both exciting and incredibly nerve-racking, but I knew I was representing an exceptional team and a business with an amazing history. Collecting the award on behalf of everyone at Kaymac is something I’ll never forget. This recognition belongs to every single member of our team. From our commercial divers, engineers and project managers to our site operatives and office staff, everyone has contributed to making Kaymac the business it is today. To bring a national title like this back to Swansea, especially during our 50th anniversary year, makes it even more special. We’re incredibly proud to be flying the flag for Welsh engineering on a national stage.”

About Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering

Founded in Swansea in 1976, Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering has grown into one of the UK’s leading specialist marine and civil engineering contractors, delivering projects throughout Wales and across the wider UK.

The company specialises in commercial diving, marine construction, bridge and lock gate refurbishment, scour protection, flood defence, confined space engineering and complex infrastructure works in some of the country’s most challenging environments. Its clients include water companies, local authorities, ports, rail organisations, government agencies and major principal contractors.

The award follows a sustained period of investment in engineering capability, innovation, research and development, helping secure a strong pipeline of projects that will support the maintenance and improvement of critical national infrastructure across the UK.

For the Kaymac team, the award represents not only recognition of the company’s achievements over the past year but also a celebration of five decades of engineering excellence. From its Swansea roots to national recognition, the business continues to demonstrate the expertise, innovation and commitment that have defined its success for half a century.

Associated Listing:

IM&M Introduce New Cooling Liners

Monday, 13th July 2026

Stay Cool. Stay Protected. Introducing MSA V-Gard Cooling Liners

As temperatures continue to rise across many working environments, MSA Safety has introduced the new V-Gard® Cooling Liners, an innovative solution designed to help workers stay cooler, safer and more comfortable throughout the working day.

Engineered for use with compatible MSA V-Gard® safety helmets, the cooling liners utilise advanced HyperKewl™ PLUS evaporative cooling technology to provide long-lasting relief from heat stress. Once activated with water, the liners can deliver cooling for up to 10 hours, maintaining temperatures of up to 12°C below the surrounding air.

Designed for workers operating in demanding outdoor and industrial environments, the V-Gard® Cooling Liners offer a lightweight, comfortable fit while integrating seamlessly with compatible V-Gard helmet suspension systems through a secure hook-and-loop attachment.

Key Features

– Provides up to 10 hours of evaporative cooling

– Delivers cooling temperatures up to 12°C below ambient conditions

– Lightweight, comfortable design for all-day wear

– Helps reduce the risk of heat stress, supporting worker safety and productivity

– Activated simply by soaking in water

– Reusable for up to 100 activations

– Secure hook-and-loop attachment for compatible MSA V-Gard® helmets

– Available in two models:

– Crown Cooler

-Crown Cooler with Neck Shade, offering UPF 50+ sun protection

Heat stress remains a significant challenge across industries such as construction, utilities, manufacturing, infrastructure and maintenance. By helping regulate body temperature, the V-Gard® Cooling Liners enable workers to remain focused, comfortable and productive, even during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The new cooling liners complement MSA’s trusted range of head protection products, providing an easy-to-use accessory that enhances wearer comfort without compromising safety or compatibility.

Associated Listing:

Southbay Celebrates Award for Pier Repair Contract

Tuesday, 30th June 2026

Southbay celebrated a fantastic evening at the prestigious ICE North East Robert Stephenson Awards, taking home the Medium Project (£1m–£5m) award for the North and South Shields Pier Repairs contract.

The award-winning scheme involved vital repair and restoration works to two iconic grade II listed coastal structures, helping to preserve their long-term integrity while protecting the surrounding coastline and communities. The project required careful planning and delivery in a challenging marine environment, with innovative temporary works solutions to ensure safe access could be maintained across both structures.

Adding to the success, Southbay also received a Highly Commended award in the Large Project of the Year category for the Redcar Bulk Terminal Upgrade project.

About Southbay

Southbay Engineering: Specialist Marine Civils, Coastal Infrastructure and Offshore Support

Southbay Engineering is a UK‑based marine civil engineering contractor known for delivering complex coastal and offshore infrastructure projects with a high level of technical precision. The company works across ports, harbours, energy facilities and marine structures, providing construction, repair and maintenance services that support long‑term asset reliability. Their expertise covers reinforced concrete structures, quay walls, jetties, berthing facilities, fender systems, sheet piling, scour protection and structural refurbishment. Southbay’s teams operate in challenging tidal environments and are experienced in coordinating works around live port operations, vessel movements and strict safety requirements.

Southbay Engineering is recognised for its ability to manage full project lifecycles. This includes design support, structural assessments, temporary works, fabrication, on‑site construction and long‑term maintenance. Their engineers and site teams work with port authorities, offshore operators, shipyards and infrastructure owners to deliver projects that meet regulatory standards and withstand harsh marine conditions. The company’s portfolio includes major quay upgrades, berth extensions, dolphin installations, linkspan repairs, heavy‑duty pavement construction and concrete remediation. Southbay also provides emergency response for structural failures, impact damage and storm‑related deterioration.

A key strength is their capability to work with reinforced concrete in marine environments. This includes crack injection, cathodic protection, rebar replacement, concrete cutting, underwater repairs and structural strengthening. Their experience with tidal scheduling, cofferdams, dewatering and marine access systems allows them to deliver projects efficiently without disrupting port operations. Southbay also supports energy‑sector clients with works on cable landings, transition structures, marine foundations and coastal interface assets.

Associated Listing:

Marine Plant Hire Launches ‘Tom Scruby’ Workboat

Tuesday, 23rd June 2026

Marine Plant Hire has officially welcomed the latest addition to its growing fleet, a Damen 2611 Multicat workboat, during a naming ceremony held in Southampton. The vessel, now named Tom Scruby, was formally introduced into service in the presence of clients, industry partners, colleagues and friends from across the maritime sector.

The Damen 2611 Multicat is widely recognised for its versatility, reliability and capability to support a diverse range of marine operations. The investment reflects Marine Plant Hire’s ongoing commitment to expanding its operational capacity and enhancing the support it provides to clients undertaking increasingly complex projects throughout the UK and internationally.

While the arrival of the new vessel represents a significant milestone for the business, the naming ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of Tom Scruby, a longstanding adviser, supporter and friend of Marine Plant Hire and the wider Ancora Group.

Over many years, Tom has provided invaluable guidance, shared extensive industry expertise and played an influential role in supporting the growth and development of several businesses within the Group. He is widely respected for his integrity, humility and dedication to helping others—qualities that have earned him admiration both within the organisation and across the wider industry.

The decision to name the vessel in his honour reflects the lasting impact he has made on the business and the people within it. Marine Plant Hire and the Ancora Group were proud to recognise his contribution through this enduring tribute.

The Tom Scruby now joins the Marine Plant Hire fleet and will support a wide range of marine construction, civil engineering, offshore and infrastructure projects. The vessel further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver specialist marine services while supporting future growth across both UK and international markets.

Associated Listing:

Marine Online Only Auction NOW OPEN | Closes June 25th 2026

Wednesday, 17th June 2026

(6) 1100kw Generators, Vessels, Barges, Crew Boats, Construction, Engines, Marsh Buggies, Support Equipment, and More!

International Bidders, please call the office at 225-686-2252 to register for the marine auction or email tory@hendersonauctions.com

www.marinebid.com

800-850-2252

Associated Listing:

The Offshore Wind Boom: The Marine Suppliers Making It Possible

Tuesday, 9th June 2026

Offshore wind keeps growing because marine suppliers do the hard work that no one talks about.

You hear plenty about turbines, but the truth is simple. Offshore wind only works when hundreds of companies at sea keep everything moving. They move people, lift huge components, fix faults, install cables and keep vessels running. Without them, the whole industry slows down fast.

Why Offshore Wind Needs Marine Suppliers : Offshore wind depends on marine suppliers for transport, lifting, subsea work, safety, repairs and logistics. They stop downtime from eating into budgets and keep projects on schedule. And they do it in rough weather and tight time windows.

The Offshore Wind Industry

The offshore wind industry builds, installs and runs wind turbines at sea. These turbines turn wind into electricity for homes, businesses and transport. The industry works far from shore, often in rough conditions, and uses specialist vessels, engineers and equipment to keep everything running. You get clean power without using land space, and the output supports national energy targets.

The idea is simple. Put turbines where the wind is stronger and more consistent. Build them tall. Connect them to the grid. Keep them spinning. But the work behind it is huge. Offshore wind needs planning, surveys, construction, installation, maintenance and constant monitoring. Each stage uses skilled crews and marine suppliers who know how to work safely at sea.

Real projects show how much work goes into this. A new wind farm starts with months of surveys. Then fabricators build foundations. Tugs move barges into place. Divers install protection around the base. Cable ships lay long power lines. Heavy lift vessels install towers and blades. Once everything is running, technicians visit turbines for checks, repairs and upgrades.

The offshore wind industry supplies clean energy and supports thousands of jobs. It depends on strong marine support and steady investment. If you want reliable renewable power, you need the offshore wind sector working at full strength.

What Marine Suppliers Do

Key roles include:

Workboat operators moving crews, tools and parts
Heavy lift teams handling blades, towers and nacelles
Subsea engineers installing and repairing cables
Fabricators building ladders, platforms and access systems
Safety suppliers providing lifejackets, rafts and fire systems
Logistics teams fuelling vessels and moving equipment
Maintenance crews fixing hydraulics, electrics and gearboxes
Survey companies mapping the seabed and tracking conditions
Mooring teams positioning barges and anchors
Rope access teams climbing towers for inspections

Real Offshore Work Talk to anyone offshore and you hear the same stories.

Early starts. Tight weather windows. Long shifts. A diver waits for the tide to settle before reaching a cable joint. A lift supervisor checks wind speed every few minutes.

A technician climbs a tower with a backpack full of tools because a sensor stopped sending data. These moments keep turbines spinning.

Cable Installation Cable work looks simple on paper. In real life, it needs survey data, trenching gear, ROV pilots, jointers and deck crews.

One slip wastes hours. A damaged cable wastes weeks. Marine suppliers prevent these problems.

Heavy Lifts: Turbine components are huge. Lifting them offshore needs cranes, jack-up vessels, riggers and engineers. Weather changes fast. The people running these lifts keep projects safe and steady.

Maintenance of sea turbines needs constant care. Bearings heat up. Sensors stop talking. Saltwater creeps into everything. Marine suppliers send technicians, spare parts and support vessels to keep output steady.

Building the Structures Fabricators build transition pieces, platforms and foundations. They weld, coat and test everything so it lasts decades at sea. Their work forms the base of every project.

Safety Support Offshore work needs strict safety systems. Marine safety suppliers provide alarms, rafts, suits and training. They help crews stay confident and prepared.

How a Wind Farm Starts A typical timeline looks like this:

Survey vessels scan the seabed
Fabricators build foundations
Tugs move barges into place
Divers install scour protection
Cable ships lay power lines
Workboats move crews
Heavy lift vessels install towers and blades
Maintenance teams check every bolt and sensor

Mini FAQ

What keeps offshore wind projects on schedule

Marine suppliers who handle vessels, lifting, subsea work, logistics and repairs.

Why offshore wind needs so many companies

Each task needs specialist skills and equipment.

Who fixes turbines when faults appear

Marine engineers, rope access teams and electricians.

How the weather affects offshore work

Wind, waves and visibility decide when lifts, dives and transfers happen.

Quick Reference

Offshore wind depends on marine suppliers
Marine suppliers support construction, installation and maintenance
Workboats, heavy lift vessels and subsea teams are essential
Safety, logistics and engineering keep turbines operational
Growth links directly to reliable marine support services

Takeaway

Offshore wind grows because marine suppliers make it possible. If you want strong offshore wind output, you support the people and companies working at sea every day.

Marine Plant Hire Expands Fleet

Monday, 8th June 2026

Marine Plant Hire Expands Fleet with Damen 2611 Multicat Workboat

Latest addition to the Marine Plant Hire fleet offers a versatile, proven work platform to marine contractors in UK waters and beyond

DARTMOUTH, UK – 8 June 2026 – Marine Plant Hire (MPH), the Devon-based specialist marine plant and vessel operator, has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a Damen 2611 Multicat workboat. One of only a handful of vessels of its type available for charter in the UK, the new addition strengthens MPH’s capability to support a wider range of marine infrastructure projects while meeting growing demand across the sector.

The Damen 2611 is a highly versatile and seaworthy vessel designed to support a broad range of marine operations. Featuring a spacious flat working deck, shallow draft, powerful cranes and heavy-duty winches, it is ideally suited to towing, dredging, diving, surveying and other marine civil engineering activities.

The multi-million-pound investment forms part of MPH’s ongoing commitment to providing contractors with a comprehensive fleet of vessels and specialist equipment for mid- and large-scale marine infrastructure projects. The Multicat joins MPH’s existing fleet of more than 35 workboats, barges and specialist plant assets.

Prior to joining the MPH fleet, the vessel operated in a variety of international locations, including Mozambique, Iraq and Uruguay, demonstrating its suitability for challenging environments both in the UK and overseas.

“The 2611 Multicat provides us with an opportunity to support a wider variety of projects and clients,” said Rich Eggleton, Managing Director of Marine Plant Hire. “Chosen for its proven pedigree, this go-anywhere, do-anything vessel is exactly the type of asset our clients need on larger and more complex contracts. We’re confident it will be in high demand, not only across the UK but throughout Europe and beyond.”

The vessel will be formally named in honour of Tom Scruby, recognising his longstanding contribution to several companies within the Ancora Group.

“Naming this vessel after Tom is incredibly fitting,” Eggleton added. “He has provided decades of knowledge, leadership and friendship to MPH and our sister companies, and we wanted to recognise that contribution in a meaningful and lasting way. We hope his name continues to inspire everyone who works aboard and relies upon this remarkable vessel.”

The official naming ceremony will take place during Seawork International 2026 in Southampton. Ancora Group will host friends, clients and industry partners on board for drinks and networking from 13:30 on Wednesday 10 June.

About Marine Plant Hire

Marine Plant Hire (MPH) is a specialist marine plant and vessel operator providing workboats, barges and marine support services for infrastructure, construction and marine civil engineering projects throughout the UK and internationally. As part of the Ancora Group, MPH operates a modern fleet designed to support complex marine operations safely and efficiently.

Associated Listing:

Kaymac Marine Engineering Celebrates 50 Years in Business

Monday, 1st June 2026

Leading UK Marine Engineering and Commercial Diving Specialist Invests in Growth with Relocation to Swansea Enterprise Park

SWANSEA, WALES – June 2026 – Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering, a leading UK marine engineering contractor and commercial diving contractor, is celebrating 50 years in business with the relocation of its headquarters to Swansea Enterprise Park.

Founded in Swansea in 1976, Kaymac has grown from a regional commercial diving contractor into a nationally recognised marine civil engineering company delivering complex marine infrastructure projects across the UK. The company provides specialist marine engineering, coastal engineering, underwater construction, flood defence maintenance, lock gate refurbishment and civil engineering services for clients operating in the water, energy, transport, ports and marine sectors.

The new headquarters will support the continued growth of the Swansea-based marine engineering contractor, providing enhanced facilities for its expanding workforce and strengthening its ability to deliver specialist marine construction and infrastructure maintenance projects throughout the UK.

Rhiannon Crees-Moore, Marketing and Business Development Director at Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering, said:

“Reaching 50 years in business is an incredibly proud achievement for everyone at Kaymac. From our beginnings as a commercial diving contractor in Swansea to becoming a trusted marine engineering and civil engineering partner on critical infrastructure projects across the UK, our success has been built on the expertise and dedication of our people.”

Over the past five decades, Kaymac has developed a strong reputation for delivering specialist marine engineering services, commercial diving operations, underwater inspections, scour protection, long sea outfalls, coastal infrastructure works, flood defence maintenance and lock gate engineering projects.

As the company enters its sixth decade, the investment in its new Swansea headquarters reflects its commitment to innovation, workforce development and the delivery of safe, sustainable marine infrastructure solutions for clients across the UK.

Associated Listing:

Author: Chris

Advertise with Seaplant

Join us