Three days packed with equipment launches, contract signings and vessel handovers came to an end on Thursday 13 June as the 22nd edition of Seawork closed on an unseasonably cold and wet but successful business high.
Seawork was delighted to welcome Nusrat Ghani, UK Minister responsible for Maritime, Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Maritime Security, Skills and Apprenticeships, who made a return visit to officially open Seawork 2019.
The Minister stated, ‘Seawork is one of the highlights of the maritime calendar, showcasing an industry that contributes over £3 billion to our economy. This event also demonstrates the range of opportunities on offer in this exciting sector. Our Maritime 2050 strategy highlights how we will continue to help ensure the industry has the talent it needs to prosper.”
BMT won a crucial contract to design two advanced 20m Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for the expanding US offshore wind industry, servicing Ørsted Energy turbines on the US$4 bn Dominion Energu Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
Marine Specialised Technology (MST), signed a contract with its Japanese agent, URA, for 36 workboats. Deliveries will commence this Autumn with completion mid-2020.
News came from Kort Propulsion of a new contract with Shipbuilding Asia UK for a full set of propulsion equipment for a 37m Harvest Vessel for one of Canada’s largest fish farming companies. The vessel is due to be completed within the year.
Reintjes GmbH and Reintjes Benelux BVBA used Seawork to announce a change of status for its business in the UK, forming a new Company – Reintjes UK Limited indicating the long-term commitment marine gearbox manufacturer Reintjes GmbH has to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland markets.
The first day of Seawork marked a milestone as Goodchild Marine Services Limited showcased ‘Leader’, the UK’s first hybrid pilot boat built for the Port of London Authority (PLA). The ground-breaking ORC 136 is designed to be virtually emission free when operating in electric mode, paving the way for dynamic improvements to the carbon footprint of cutters.
Ribcraft officially handed over a new Suzuki-powered RIB to Northumberland Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority; the smaller and more economical surveillance vessel will be used mainly for enforcement and inshore fisheries.
Associated British Ports (ABP) took delivery of a 12-metre (ORC 121) pilot cutter.
Global propulsion designer and manufacturer Teignbridge used Seawork to launch its revolutionary new modular propeller. UK patented with world-wide patent imminent, each blade of the Clamp on Blade (CoB) propeller can be removed and replaced if necessary allowing the vessel owner to store spare blades on board and, if damage occurs, replace blades without going to dry dock.
Commenting on the launch of the company’s Hybrid PilotCraft, Wight Shipyard’s Peter Morton said, “We’ve been really encouraged by the interest here in what we’re doing.” The Chasewell 9m is designed to respond to stricter environmental regulations and promises to set new industry standards in the patrol and pilot sectors.
Turkey’s Izmir Shipyard introduced Sea vIZion®; a range of small to medium size HDPE workboats, HDPE utility crafts and HDPE patrol boats for commercial and public customers, The company also presented on ‘The Challenges and Environmental Benefits of the use of HDPE Material in Boat Building’ at a Seawork Business Briefing.
Blyth Catamarans chose Seawork to launch a new 15m Passenger Vessel, immediately receiving interest in further builds. The ‘Island Ranger’ is coded for 110 passengers.
