Congratulations to our Design Manager Gary Pink for completing a Diploma in Marine Surveying, specialising in #Engineering and #Yachting.

Accredited by the Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and North Kent College .

#maritimeindustry #maritime #surveying #designmanager

An update on one of our latest projects The Hydrotug, published by CMB.TECH

‘Very Proud to be part of this project and helping develop what we all believe is a positive step forward in this sector.
Appreciation also goes to Tadeusz Ambroziak, our project lead, for the efforts and knowledge he is applying to the project.’ Martin Sealeaf

‘The Hydrotug consists of two BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines that can run on hydrogen and traditional fuel. This ground-breaking development is an important step in the transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral port by 2050 and will be operational in the first quarter of 2023.’

#cmbtech #portofantwerpbruges #naviaspain #hydrotug #engine #project #innovation #technology #hydrogen #engineering #industrial #marineapplications #marineindustry

Congratulations to all of #TeamSeaKing for completing the DFDS refit projects. From brief to completion, the work completed was handled with professionalism and first-class expertise. Thank you to Chris for the feedback, we are proudly sharing.

‘Now all the refits are complete I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved.

With the split location for the D and C Class, and one of each at the same time, this was always going to be a challenge logistically as well as the sheer volume of work and of course the ever-present issues with covid.
However, once again all of this was overcome, due to what I believe, was a direct representation of the professionalism in all departments of Seaking Electrical.
The quality of the final installation presented to me was second to none and the interaction with ships staff and alongside contractors was exceptional and a credit to all.

Can you please pass this email on to all involved with my thanks for what was indeed a 3-month marathon successfully completed on time and very much appreciated by all at TO Dover.
We look forward to working with you all again in the near future.’ Chris Killick, Electrical Superintendent, DFDS

#marineindustry #electrricalengineering

Dave is one of four founders who established The SeaKing Group in 2001. From humble beginnings, the organisation now proudly employs more than one hundred engineers worldwide, with a track record of delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the USA.  He has played a crucial role as part of the leadership team in building a business that is now well respected for its electrical engineering expertise.

‘The historic Graving Docks at Govan on the River Clyde are poised to be revived with a £500,000 restoration project.’

#Glasgow #scotland #marineindustry #team

The SeaKing Group are delighted to see the progress updates while working on the 5 vessel refits for DFDS Global.

#interior #electricalengineering #marineindustry

National Shipbuilding Strategy released, as reported Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited our contracting partners Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders Limited

Read the full article here.

Our Design Manager Veteran Gary Pink actively raises awareness supporting the armed forces. In just a few weeks Gary will be taking part in a ’Rough’ sleep out overnight raising funds for homeless veterans. Supporting The Great Tommy Sleep Out organised by the RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries).

And she’s off! Wishing all the crew a fantastic maiden voyage.#NewPolarShip
British Antarctic Survey
November 19 at 11:30 AM
Welcome aboard to the first science, operations and support staff who are heading to Antarctica on #RRSSirDavidAttenborough’s maiden voyage!
The ship departed the UK earlier this week: Read more here…

#SDAGoesSouth

Lest We Forget. ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.’ Laurence Binyon

#lestweforget #veteran #poppyappeal

With our close links to the Royal Navy in our workforce and projects -today we are highlighting Trafalgar Day.

‘The the most important day in the calendar of HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Each year on 21st October a ceremony is held onboard Victory marking the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a battle which defined the Age of Sail and which sealed British dominion of the seas for a hundred years.’

Find out more here

#societyandculture #trafalgarday #marine #royalnavy

SeaKing, one of the UK’s largest marine electrical engineers, are recruiting experienced technical electrical engineers to join their team based in Birkenhead.

The primary purpose of the role is to enhance and expand the company’s service team to undertake all aspects of installation, commissioning, operation, fault finding and repair support services within the marine industry.

As well as supporting the role locally, on occasions travel may be required including the various UK and Mediterranean ports.

Find out more about the role here

This weekend we welcome back our service team from Gibraltar, after completing the 3rd of 15 vessels for a Radar Retrofit. As team 1 arrives home team 2 set off to France to complete the next vessel Radar Retrofit.

#teamseaking #marineengineering #marineindustry

Founded in 2001, SeaKing has been evaluating and solving marine and industrial engineering problems for organisations worldwide. As an organisation grown from four employees 20 years ago to employing more than 100 engineers worldwide, now with a track record delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean, and the USA.

The SeaKing Group was initially founded with the motivation to create a forward-thinking, innovative engineering provider. From humble beginnings, the vision was to create a company with a culture of great people that solve problems.

Over the years SeaKing has proudly completed a portfolio of design and build projects across sectors. Renowned for their expertise within defence, the list of completed projects supporting Cammell Laird and the RFA Northern Cluster, which currently includes both the AO Wave and Tide Class Vessels and RFA Fort Victoria; in the past, the Cluster included Bay Leaf and Rover Class Tankers, RFA Diligence and Fort George; more recently they have been involved with the Type 45 Power Improvement Project (PIP).  Based in the heart of the UK’s Shipbuilding industry, the team supports the everyday maintenance of the Mersey Ferries, local tugs, Support Vessels.

Along with the Military Vessels SeaKing has also supported Cammell Lairds with a number of Commercial Vessels, including Ro-Ro Ferries both locally to the Northwest Area and in other Ports around the World.  However, it is not only Cammell Laird that SeaKing Support, they also support Ship Outfit Companies and other Shipyards whenever and wherever the need is required.

“SeaKing is proud to have supported Cammell Laird over the last decade with its RFA cluster contract delivering ‘through-life support’ to a catalogue of MoD vessels,” he said. “As we plan for the future, we were particularly pleased to see Cammell Laird securing two further 10-year contracts to support the RFA, worth an estimated £619million. These contracts will run until 2028 and come as a major boost to Merseyside’s maritime sector and supply chain as a whole.” Dave Gillam, Chairman. 

Throughout the last 20 years, SeaKing has invested in capability through a successful apprenticeship programme. Proudly over 60 apprentices have now been employed by the marine electrical specialist. Their employees’ investment has provided an opportunity to grow their skills, gain valuable experience, and develop professionally throughout the globe.

‘SeaKing Group’s CEO Martin Sealeaf said, ‘Apprenticeships represent a long-term investment for the group, the candidates undergo rigorous panel interviews before securing their roles. SeaKing invests heavily in such schemes because they provide an excellent foundation in technical skills and knowledge. We can then steer the recruits into world-class marine electrical engineers.’

A great example of the successful apprenticeship program is showcased in Blaise Cockton-, Project Manager. Blaise has been with SeaKing for over 13 years, starting his career as an Apprentice.

‘Project diversity, every project offers different challenges daily. Also, my current opportunity to be so heavily involved in such a fantastic project working on the detailed design and its delivery of an MoD’s Type 45 Destroyer Power Improvement Project for the Royal Navy, implementing the resilience and operational capabilities of one of the most advanced warships in the world.’ Blaise Cockton. 

SeaKing supported their specialised industries during the pandemic, working towards critical deadlines and overcoming the added pressures and obstacles the pandemic brought. October 2020 marked the month when Britain’s Polar Ship- RRS Sir David Attenborough left Birkenhead – the home of Cammell Laird. Following a four-year build programme, SeaKing’s engineering team were proud to have had an active contribution. The British Antarctic Survey says that the new polar ship will “transform UK research in the polar regions” with missions critical to understanding climate change.

About SeaKing –

SeaKing Electrical caters to the Marine, Industrial, Commercial, Military, and Offshore Markets, specialising in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. It delivers offshore Wind Market support, Marine installations to SOLAS requirements, vessel survey and upgrades to System Engineering, complete Mechanical & Electrical packages, and software development. It further delivers construction, modification, and refurbishment of electrical marine, commercial and industrial control. SeaKing can offer fault finding and repair automated process control systems and repair or source and supply replacement electric motors, electronic variable speed drives, Generators Switchgear, and PLCs. A full turn-key package can be provided; from concept to design to manufacture and installation of various equipment and systems to satisfy your requirements.

By continually embracing such courses to keep our marine electricians up to date with all fantastic products such as those supplied by Roxtec- The SeaKing Group remains at the forefront of marine engineering. Adopting a continual training regime for all its employees over a wide range of skillsets is a business priority. Thank you, Roxtec Group for our team’s refresher training this week.

#engineering #training #employeeinvestment

‘The Prime Minister’s announcement was accompanied by a visual of the new ship, which will be the first of its kind to be built and commissioned by the UK and will showcase British design, engineering and green technology.’

Read the full article here

#britishengineering #shippingindustry #shipbuilding #defenceindustry

An incredible project to be part of, our team were responsible for cabling up the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (mast). ‘The Mast Upgrade facility will have its official opening ceremony on Wednesday, where guest of honour, astronaut Tim Peake, will create his own artificial star by running a plasma test on the machine.’
‘Initial results from a UK experiment could help clear a hurdle to achieving commercial power based on nuclear fusion, experts say.’

Read the full article here

#scienceandenvironment #powerengineering #engineeringfortomorrow

The SeaKing Group have recently supported Northern Europe’s largest shipping company – DFDS Seaways. Our team of electrical designers, engineers and project managers have proudly completed works for the DFDS’ ‘D-Class’ ferries – Dover Seaways, Dunkerque Seaways and Delft Seaways, plus one of the newer vessels, Cotes d dunes which joined the fleet in February 2016.

From brief to completion, all works were completed within a tight project schedule. The restrictions of the pandemic created new challenges, however, with no compromise of workmanship, and ensuring all the team worked in a safe environment.

Working in the Dunkirk-based yard works for the D class vessels included installing the AI system and fuel monitoring plus LED conversions. Onboard the Cotes d dunes, we carried out maintenance and upgrades to the ships’ systems. These works included a new UPS system, a ballast water fibre installation and cabling for the Kongsberg system

#engineering #design #data #electrical #teamseaking #marineindustry #marineengineering #marineengineer

‘UK Carrier Strike Group to head to Asia in biggest show of force in a generation. During the 28-week deployment, ships from the Carrier Strike Group are expected to visit more than 40 countries and undertake more than 70 engagements, including sailing alongside the French carrier Charles De Gaulle in the Mediterranean.’

Our team of specialised engineers have been involved in finalising the works on two of the support vessels in fleet – RFA’s Fort Victoria and Tidespring, ensuring they will be ready for deployment later this year.

‘A busy little period where all jobs were completed well. Good luck to the Ships Staff on this historic voyage and many thanks for all their help’. Gary Pink, Design Manager.

Read the article here

#marineindustry #marineengineer #defenceindustry #militarycommunity #royalnavy #RFA #maritime #Carrierstrike

Our contribution to the thermal-hydraulic test rig, over a 6 month period. Utilising our teams forward-thinking and engineering expertise. The SeaKing Group completed the electrical design alongside a full control system, PLC, data logging and site installation.

Read the article here

#engineering #design #data #electrical #teamseaking #marineindustry #marineengineering #marineengineer

SeaKing are excited to hear the announcement this morning that Lake Windermere will be reopening post-COVID!

A long-standing maintenance client. Most recently as part of the MV Tern (Lake Windemere Cruises) work package, our specialist engineering team has removed all of the bridge equipment and when the replacement bridge has been fitted we will be carrying out the Electrical Installation.

Read more here

#electricalengineering #marineengineering #teamseaking #industryexperts #industrialengineers

The SeaKing Group have been busy maintaining our longstanding vessels. Recently completing dry-docking maintenance on MY Snowdrop (Mersey Ferries) – aka Mersey Dazzle for her colourful appearance. Works carried out included generator overhaul and essential electrical works.

#teamseaking #marine #marineengineering #electricalengineering #electricalengineer #industryexperts #industrialengineers #Merseyside #mersey #Birkenhead #drydocking

Proudly Gary Pink and Gary Jordan have both volunteered and been accepted onto the St John Ambulance Programme as Patient Advocates.

The process of application was extensive including assessments and a face to face interviews to ensure they were able to fulfil the needs of patients.

‘We are both of the minds that the sooner we get this thing beaten the better and we can all get on with our lives – that is why we both volunteered to do this.’ Gary Pink -Design Manager

We would like to highlight the efforts both Gary Pink and Gary Jordan have gone to. Starting their first shifts this weekend in the North West.

St John Ambulance – Coronavirus: how we’re helping to save lives

#nhs #team #covid #leadership #patientadvocate

22/01/2021

Two Seaking service teams, two different types of vessel in two locations returned from works this week. Our team worked around the clock over two weeks completing emergency assistance of marine transitional UPS on the ships essential systems.

SeaKing reacted simultaneously on both vessels surveying on NYE and finalising complete replacements two weeks later including complete removal, the supply of a 20 & 40KVA 3 phase UPS’s and a total of 4 transformers for the two vessels.

It’s a testament to SK’s strong supply-chain that the transformers of up to 45kVA were manufactured to Lloyds specification in this accelerated period and installed on the vessels in this incredibly tight window.

As both systems required a high degree of re-engineering further mention goes out to our support team in the SeaKing engineering department and logistics ensuring the solutions were both fit for purpose and achievable.

Alongside our service and engineering teams, our office support has risen to the challenge during the whole pandemic working over the Christmas period and demonstrating how SeaKing responds safely and adapts efficiently.

Both systems on the two different vessels were load tested and passed by the local surveyors, and the vessels are in operation.

A big thanks to ATL transformers – our trusted supplier for their input into these deliveries. ATL’s tenacity and dedication, hard work and technical expertise from the workforce, was demonstrated under very challenging time pressures and ergonomics.

 Dedication, hard work, expertise and forward-thinking made these achievements possible.

Please join us in congratulating the winners of SeaKing’s #crewphotocontest

Thank you to Managing Editor of The Islander Magazine – Simon Relph for publishing the winning image by Joshua Conquest ‘Dolphins On The Bow’.

2nd Place -Richard Craven

3rd Place – Luigi Fumarola

We received some striking images for the contest, which made choosing the top three a challenge for our industry panel of judges David Churchill – Superyacht Photographer, Robert Owen- Yachting World Art Director, Jeff Houlgrave- Chairman of Superyacht UK British Marine.

Read the full story here – P34 The Islander

#crewphotochallenge #superyachtlife #superyachtcrew #lockdownimages #marineindustry

Wishing all of our networks a very happy and healthy new year.

Just a message to let you know our thoughts are with all those that have been affected once again by the pandemic and struggling as a result of the latest lockdown.

SeaKing will carry on supporting our much-loved industry during this unpredictable period.

#StaySafe #marineindustry #marineengineering

As we approach the end of 2020 we inevitably look back and review the year. It’s been a challenge, I think everyone will agree, but business is about stepping up, adjusting and embracing the changes and challenges. Without exception, everyone at SeaKing has done just that.

The work we have done supporting the RFA and Navy with Cammell Laird has continued without pause, as has the call out services we provide for other marine operations. A great achievement considering everything going on around us.

A big thank you to all our employees for making it happen. I have full confidence we will successfully tackle all the inevitable challenges we will face in 2021.’ Neil Watson, MD The SeaKing Group.

Wishing all our staff, clients and wider network a very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.

#Christmas2020 #marineengineering #Electricalengineering

We had a chat with our QA Manager Andy Spicer.

Here is an insight into Andy’s experience prior to SeaKing and all about his current role.

Read the full interview here –  Meet the Expert Q&A

#marineindustry #marineengineering #qualityassurance

Dave Gillam, Chairman of The SeaKing Group, is celebrating his 70th birthday today. With over 55 years’ experience in the shipbuilding industry, Dave has been instrumental in leading the Group to be the go-to electrical marine engineers in the UK.

We invite you to share your memories to help celebrate Dave’s achievements over the years.

🎈‘On behalf of the team at The SeaKing Group, please join us to wish Dave a very Happy 70th Birthday.’

#marineengineer #electricalengineering

The news this week -reporting on the decommissioning of the UK’s longest-serving nuclear vessel.

Our team have been supporting the vessel for over 6 years as the chosen electrical contractors onboard.

‘Oceanic Pintail is making its final voyage after 33 years of impeccable service to the UK’s nuclear industry.’

We look forward to carrying on working with the replacement fleet at International Nuclear Services

Read article here

#shipping #maritime #marine #electricalengineering #marineengineer

A campaign that highlights the importance of engineering careers.

The SeaKing Group to this date has now proudly employed over 60 marine engineer apprentices. As the leading marine electrical specialist, we currently employ more than 100 engineers worldwide with a track record delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and USA.

Here is a reminder of our Meet The Expert with Blaise Cockton.- Blaise started his career off with us as an apprentice.

Read the full interview here –  Meet the Expert – Blaise Cockton

#ImAnEngineer #BeTheDifference from the Royal Academy of Engineering #engineering #marineengineer #electricalengineer

05/11/2020

Dave Gillam and Gary Pink are to undertake the ‘Western Trek 2021’ between the 19th and the 23rd of May next year to help raise funds for The Royal British Legion.

The trek takes place over 3 days; with a total of 50 miles being covered.  It is carried out in the battle-sites and memorials of World War One, around Passchendaele and the Somme, before finishing at the iconic Menin Gate in Ypres.

Gary; a forces veteran of 22 years says, ‘this charity is close to my heart – there are a lot of comrades in the forces community that have fallen on hard times and are living rough on the streets. There are also large numbers struggling with mental health issues. The RBL is a great cause that helps those in need out.  I know that times are difficult, but if you can help this worthy cause out then it would be great.’

You can donate to Dave and Gary either in person or by their just giving pages here

http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/WesternFrontTrek2021-GaryPink

http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/WesternFrontTrek2021-DaveGillam

#justgiving #WW1 #SponsoredTrek #WesternTrek

4th November 2020, marks a celebration of all things Engineering ‘This is Engineering Day’! We would love to take this opportunity to briefly update you on a concept our highly skilled engineering team are working on.
As a marine electrical engineering company, SeaKing has developed platforms and systems to help ship’s staff manage ship operations. We monitor, gather, filter and present data for ship’s crew to make decisions and then help them to implement. SeaKing believes that AI can assist in the interpretation of this data to support decision making.

AI has recently become a more practical and accessible solution because technology developed for game playing has been exploited by AI technology. Graphic Processing Units (GPU) can be used to simulate neurons and with open source software these can be used to build ‘minds’. SeaKing has experience of building these platforms in a marinized package.

Our first project is to build on published research around using ‘minds’ to optimise ship parameters to reduce fuel consumption. Ship’s fuel usage varies with many factors and research shows that the optimum settings are either not known or not adopted in many cases. Fuel savings of around 15% are predicted. SeaKing’s unique proposition is to take their existing expertise in accessing ship’s data and use that with their tried and trusted hardware platforms to implement AI analysis on board the ship and present the information using existing marine display technology.

This type of AI solution ‘learns’ each ship and can successively get better at it’s job.  SeaKing will be able to build a valuable library of AI solutions so that solutions learnt on one type of ship can be quickly transferred to another and start to optimise for that ship.

The system is capable of being extended into other areas. One area is in learning to recognise when the ship’s systems are working well and look for signs that motors, pumps or other equipment is starting to fail and raising a predictive alarm with benefits for the safety, operation and efficiency of the vessel.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the process of using computers to perform tasks usually requiring human intelligence. The power to transform the way things work has led to it being called “the new electricity”

R&D led by Malcolm Stein, Communications Engineering Development Manager 

Find out more This is Engineering Day 2020

#BeTheDifference #ThisIsEngineering #engineering #marineindustry #marineengineering #engineeringdesign #electricalengineering 

Incredible effort by our team pulling together to support our local community.

Applauding Abigail McGlasson from our accounts team who initiated the great idea of organising food donations for both Kensington Children’s Centre and Wirral Foodbank.

#community #charity #fundraising #nonprofit #giveback

29/10/2020

Another addition to our Meet The Expert Series

We spoke to our Head of Procurement Garry Parson to give an insight into his role.

Read the full interview here –  Meet the Expert Q&A

#supplychainmanagement #procurement #marineindustry #marineengineering #electricalengineers #sustainabilty

21/10/2020

Today marked the day when Britain’s Polar Ship- RRS Sir David Attenborough left Birkenhead the home of Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders Limited.

Following a four-year build programme, which our engineering team are proud to have had an active contribution – the vessel will be put through its paces for two weeks undergoing technical sea trials in North Wales. All in preparation for 2021 before it journeys to the Antarctic next November.

The British Antarctic Survey says that the new polar ship will “transform UK research in the polar regions” with missions critical to understanding climate change.

Read article here

photocredit and article by BBC

#climatechange #engineering #sirdavidattenborough #marineindustry #marineengineering #birkenhead

21/10/2020

Great to read -that the MV ‘Swift’ has now officially been handed over, after a 2-year project.

Chairman of Windermere Lake Cruises, Bill Bewley says, “MV Swift is the perfect way to welcome our visitors to Windermere and the wider Lake District. Designed to operate in all seasons, our fantastic new vessel, built by Damen Group, will enhance the quality of our visitors’ experience thanks to 21st-century quality, comfort and accessibility.

Read article here
#lakewindemere #tourismmatters #marineengineering #marineindustry #lakedistrict

14/10/2020

Thank you to everyone who has supported the #crewphotochallenge by entering photos, and sharing the campaign. Including the team at SYUK.

British Marine who showed great support. The contest is now closed, and we will be announcing the winners in the coming weeks. Our panellist of judges are now busy choosing their top 3.

Good luck to all those that entered.

#togetherapart #yachtinglife #marine #marineengineering

10/09/2020

Over the last 12 months, SeaKing are proud to have partnered with Oxley Developments Co Ltd. Working on the development of a control panel designed as a combined design with their LED Navigation Lighting. We are looking forward to building our relationship with Oxley and will keep you updated as our project evolves.

‘All of Oxley navigation lights have been specifically developed for vessels over 50 metres and are NVG friendly.’

Read article here

#marineengineering #engineeringdesign #electricalengineering #partnership #marineindustry #marineelectronics

20/08/2020

As people ease out of lockdown and make the most of their local beaches, sighting’s of larger vessels in the Channel has started to become a frequent occurrence reported on social media and local news feeds.

The most recent of these breath-taking views this month was one of the Ministry of Defence’s largest vessels – The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria which was visible from beaches around the coast of Devon.

#ThrowBackThursday

Spring 2019 The SeaKing Group completed a major refit involving the Auxiliary Oil Replenishment ship RFA Fort Victoria.
Read the full case study here

News and photo credit https://www.radioexe.co.uk/ 09/08/20

#maritime #rfavictoria #royalnavy #marineengineers #lockdown

19/08/2020

#WorldPhotoDay today

Crew, you still have time to enter our #crewphotochallenge

Some great prizes, and what better way to lift the spirits of the yachting industry – with the theme Revive as we slowly ease out of lockdown.

Check out how to enter here-
http://seakinggroup.co.uk/2020-yacht-crew-photo-challenge/

#travel #tourism #yachting #crewlife #teamseaking

14/08/2020

As we see lockdown slowly easing and the tourist industry reopening various news items scatter our social feeds referencing how the industry is responding.

In particular NorthLink Ferries of which the passenger numbers are increasing, and services have risen in the last 6 weeks.
‘Serco NorthLink Ferries operates services between the Scottish mainland and the Northern Isles, including the Scrabster/Stromness link. It has been operating a revised service during phases one and two of the Covid-19 lockdown, providing travel for key workers as well as an essential islander and freight connectivity.’

Highland MV Hamnavoe operated by NorthLink Ferries recent works by the SeaKing team. UK’s first large ship-to-shore commercial connection installation in Stromness as part of a green power project.

SeaKing were invited to the project as a result of our expertise on both marine and land projects; collaborating with Schneider electrics. The partnership was to ensure complete integration with both land and vessel-based systems.

Take a read of our case study detailing the project so far

#marine #marineengineers #teamseaking #MVHamnavoe #northlinkferries

27/07/2020

Great to read some positive news about the efforts from one of our clients CalMac Ferries Limited.

Congratulations to their customer service team for receiving the highest level of accreditation by CCA Global.

Read article here

#clientnews #marineengineering

10/07/2020

Help us lift the spirits of yacht crew and bring the yachting industry #TogetherApart

As the world starts to ease out of lockdown this is a perfect time, to come together and start the revival of our much-loved industry.
The SeaKing Group’s photography challenge is open to all yacht crew members.
Submit your entries via DM to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or email crewphotochallenge@refinedmarketing.co.uk

All rules and finer details go to
http://seakinggroup.co.uk/2020-yacht-crew-photo-challenge/
#crewphotochallenge #superyachts #yachties #yachtcrewlife

26/06/2020

Celebrating and recognising Armed Forces week.
Our team who are working on the T45 HMS Dauntless -power improvement project enjoyed some specially baked cakes this afternoon.

#saluteourforces #armedforcesday2020 #royalnavy #marine

26/06/2020

Successful ONBOARDING: Transferring military skills to civvy street

The UK comes together this week, showing their gratitude and appreciation of our armed forces to mark Armed Forces Day 2020. Over the years, The SeaKing Group have employed several ex-servicemen. Today we want to share with you the story of ex-Royal Navy, our well respected and highly skilled Design Manager – Gary Pink.

After a successful career in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer, it was time for our Design Manager Gary Pink to pack his service bag for the last time and hang up his boots.  We took some time to find out about Gary’s experience settling into civilian life.

Read the full interview – Meet the expert with Gary Pink

#saluteourforces #armedforcesday2020

28/05/2020

We Passed!
SeaKing is proud to announce that this month we have achieved our certification of Cyber Essentials Plus.
A certification which recognises our efforts and processes to cybersecurity, offering reassurance to our clients and team.

Following the government-backed scheme Cyber Essentials Plus mitigates the risk of online threats; Identifying the security controls established within a company’s internal IT systems.
#cybersecurity #datasecurity #informationsecurity #marine #protectingourclients

16/03/2020

Thank you to our office team for their continuous support, and a big congratulations to Abigail for her dedication and hard work to SeaKing attaining value-added qualifications over the years.

At the SeaKing Group, we pride ourselves in providing industry-leading marine electrical services. We have an experienced engineering team and also recruit apprentices and train them to be the most highly-skilled. Our success over the last 20 years is not only because of the engineers but importantly because of our office team who work hard in the background working with our clients and supply chain.

Abigail’s Journey so far…
Abigail joined the company in 2014 as an admin apprentice completing level 2 and 3 in Business Administration by 2017.  Alongside her role, Abigail went on to complete Level 3 AAT Advanced Diploma in March 2019. Now Abigail is studying for her Level 4 Professional level qualification which she hopes to complete by 2021.

#dedicatedapprentice #supportingourteam #teamseaking #marine

12/03/2020

To this date, we have now proudly employed over 60 apprentices. As a leading marine electrical specialist, we currently employ more than 100 engineers worldwide with a track record delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and USA.

SeaKing Group’s CEO Martin Sealeaf said ‘Apprenticeships represent a long-term investment for the group, the candidates undergo rigorous panel interviews before securing their roles. SeaKing invests heavily in such schemes because they provide an excellent foundation in technical skill and knowledge. We can then steer the recruits into world-class marine electrical engineers.’

Blaise Cockton has been with SeaKing for over 13 years starting off his career as an apprentice, we had a chat with Blaise to find out about his experience.

Read the full interview here –  Meet the Expert Q&A

#marineelectricalengineers #superyacht #meettheexpert 

05/03/2020

We are delighted to have recently welcomed Daniel Clare to the SeaKing family! Equipped with a very comprehensive resume, Daniel has settled into 2020, filling our position as an Electrical technician/ Commissioning Engineer.

Daniel is a qualified and highly skilled Electrical engineer with an HNC in operational engineering, drawing on 12 years of industry experience, working on numerous projects within the oil and gas sectors.  Daniel’s most recent experience consists of working on offshore pipeline projects both in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

Working as an electrical technician on Offshore vessels including construction barges, survey and cable laying ships, his knowledge of the marine industry is vast. Over the years Daniel has specialised in the operation and maintenance of large marine plant including linear drum and capstan winches, reel winders, reeving devices and associated Hydraulic power units and subsea equipment.

With a wealth of technical ability, the list goes on; bringing to the team, a Knowledge of Generators, Transformers, control circuits, panels, switchgear, Inverters, PLC’s.

#teamseaking #electricalengineer #electricaltechnician #commissioningengineer

19/02/2020

The team are excited to welcome our newest recruit to our highly skilled engineering team.

Michael Rollings, having spent the last 12 years living and working in Saudi Arabia, started 2020 by joining SeaKing Electrical as an Electrical Engineer.

Michael’s first four years in Saudi Arabia were with the Royal Navy, where he mentored the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) in the safe operation of onboard systems and the conduction of Electrical / Mechanical maintenance on Al Jawf Class Vessels (Royal Navy Sandown Minehunters).

For the following 8 years, he was employed by BAE Systems Saudi Arabia as a Mechanical / Electrical Engineer assigned to the RSNF at the Research & Development Centre, there, he was responsible to oversee and evaluate the installation of modifications on their Al Jawf Minehunters.

23/01/2020

Serviced in the Cammell Laird shipyard by our highly skilled engineers; the Caledonian MacBrayne Clyde & Hebridean Ferries underwent general repairs and alternator overhauls during October 2019. The vessels are owned by Calmac Ferries who are known to operate award-winning ferry service for island-hopping adventures on the West Coast of Scotland.

#ferry #marineindustry #scotland #vessels

17/01/2020

Straight into the new year, our highly skilled engineers are completing maintenance and repairs for numerous vessels, including a 142m ro-ro ferry owned by SeaTruck Ferries. Previously known as Seatruck Precision; MS Stena Precision entered service for our long-standing client Seatruck Ferries – in July 2012. The most recent work – carried out at Harland & Wolff Belfast shipyard included alternator overhauls and bearing changes.

#maritime #client #seakingelectrical #seatruck #vessels #stena

10/01/2020

The first full working week of 2020 completed and what a great picture to end it on! The SeaKing Group were delighted and honoured to have supported Cammell Laird during the latest refit period for one of four Royal Fleet Auxiliary ‘Tide Class’ tankers.

The RFA Tidespring project– completed and sailed 19th December 2019. Our team’s contribution was part of extensive maintenance repairs, which included the fitting of a new RAS Reel.

#rfa #marinemaintenance

21/12/2019

2019 has been a great year for the SeaKing Group- we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, suppliers and wider network for the continued support.

We look forward to continuing our partnerships and making new ones in the forthcoming year. In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team.

#goodbye2019 #happychristmas #happynewyear #leadingtheway

18/12/2019

A big thank you to the Titanic Hotel Liverpool for accommodating the SeaKing Groups annual Christmas party!

Enjoying the theme ‘A White Star Christmas’ our team had a great night of festive fun including; a full Christmas dinner and a live choir singing the BEST Christmas classics.

#christmas2019 #workchristmasparty #titanic

16/12/2019

We are very proud to congratulate our Communications Manager, Malcolm Stein who has successfully completed his Master’s degree. Malcolm tells us about his motivation behind finishing his studies and how it positively contributes to his role at SeaKing.

“I feel it has made a difference in how I approach work in general, it has definitely changed my perspective. I was also able to explore a keen interest of my own in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of my dissertation. It was amazing and also a little bit frightening to see the changes and potential changes that AI is already bringing about in industry and society. Within SeaKing I look forward to taking on the challenge of addressing the opportunities and threats that AI will to the traditionally conservative Marine Industry and managing them more effectively than our competitors. Using the understanding of leadership, change and learning from my MBA I hope to develop the work started in dissertation in a substantial AI project shortly.”

#AI #leadership #marineindustry

15/12/2019

2019 has been a host for many successful projects with The SeaKing Group, amongst the most recent -our contribution to The Irish Sea Pioneer refit.  Playing a vital role as an offshore support vessel, operating all year round in England’s Coastal waters; the Irish Sea Pioneer underwent a full refit. The team’s input included a power management system upgrade, accommodation improvements and new ladder racks to resolve an ongoing problem for the jack-up legs.

Our innovative solutions supported this project, ensuring the vessel functions safely.

12/12/2019

Due to The SeaKing Group’s continued business growth, this quarter we are pleased to welcome four new Electrical commissioning engineers and one CAD/ Automation engineer. Strengthening our services team will enable us to confidently go into 2020, supporting our clients in the Naval and Superyacht markets.

#marineengineering #electricalengineering

05/12/2019

Luxury yachts have been decorating our seas since the beginning of the 20th century. The architecture and engineering have massively evolved, pushing the boundaries, and keeping up with the demands of the next generation owners.

We spoke with Martin Sealeaf, CEO of The SeaKing Group, to find out his thoughts on building Superyachts for the next generation.

Read the full interview Meet the Expert Q&A

#marineelectricalengineers #superyacht #meettheexpert

01/12/2019

Even though the Superyacht season is coming to an end for 2019, our specialised service team are still travelling the globe as trusted engineers. This year we have responded to many superyachts and December is turning into a very busy month of completed projects including three 90M, and one 60M. The team have also been busy designing the installation of 28 Ocean LED underwater lights on a 76M prepped for December 2020.

Contact the team for all enquiries enq@seakinggroup.co.uk

#superyachts #electricalengineers #electricalmarine

28/11/2019

We are delighted that The SeaKing Group will be celebrating 20 years next year, of building a successful and well-established electrical engineering business. The team are proud of their ongoing contribution offering specialist electrical engineering services in the marine market, most notably in the Naval, Offshore and Superyacht sectors.

As a business that offers innovative – leading-edge solutions, with a number of exciting projects in the public eye, we will be joining many of our partners and clients in the world of social media!

Stay connected and join our conversation #marineengineering #electricalengineering #naval #superyacht #offshore

Linkedin  Facebook  Twitter

SeaKing board members L-R Chris Dahill, Dave Gillam, Neil Watson, Mark Gillam, Martin Sealeaf. Picture Jason Roberts

08/07/2019

Merseyside headquartered maritime engineering company SeaKing Electrical is announcing a strengthening of its senior management team with the appointment of a new managing director Neil Watson and the promotion of Mark Gillam to operations director and Rachel Downey to finance director.

Mr Watson joins Birkenhead-based SeaKing after spending more than two decades in senior management and managing director roles in industry.  The move will see company founder Dave Gillam move from managing director to chairman supported by current board members Chris Dahill, Eric King and Martin Sealeaf.

Dave Gillam said the time is right to bolster SeaKing’s infrastructure to drive the company forward to ensure the company continues to adapt to meet changing customer requirements.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Neil to our team and promote Mark and Rachel,” he said. “The last 10 years has seen SeaKing grow into one of the best-known electrical engineering companies in the maritime industry with a £8m turnover and more than 100 engineers and office staff. But we want to look to the future now and invest in talented people to take SeaKing to the next level. SeaKing has a clear strategy for growth in the naval, commercial marine and superyacht sectors at home and abroad. There are many opportunities for us but we have to keep pace with industry demands. This will be a big part of Neil’s role to ensure we continue to move with the times and have the internal systems and accreditations in place which are expected by key clients like Cammell Laird, BAE, Rolls Royce, the UK MOD, Konsberg and the wider industry.”

SeaKing Chairman Dave Gillam with new managing director Neil Watson outside Birkenhead headquarters. Picture Jason Roberts

Mr Watson said he is excited about his new role and the strategic vision of SeaKing, seeing huge opportunity to capitalise on Seaking’s market position and reputation.

“SeaKing is very well known and respected in the industry,” he said. “I have been impressed by the innovation of its electrical works, the calibre of its clients and how organised the senior management team are. The board is fully behind the growth strategy and willing to invest in it. There is a lot of potential for growth, in maritime and renewables, but we start with our core work in the UK maritime sector and expand from there. Cammell Laird, as a long-standing client and its work with the UK MOD, is obviously very important and I will be spending more time on professionalising SeaKing’s internal processes. SeaKing understands that to go up a level and grow over the next decade it has to add resource to its senior management team. The key is for operations to remain efficient while at the same time evolving with marketplace requirements.”

Martin Sealeaf, Seaking’s CEO said: “I am confident that the appointment of Mark Gillam and Rachel Downey to the board, both with significant industry and company experience rounds off the new board of directors giving the company the mix of expertise it needs to continually develop and improve its services to meet key customer requirements.”

SeaKing Electrical managing director Neil Watson. Picture Jason Roberts

Seaking Electrical was established in April 2001 targeting maintenance and project work for commercial ships, ferries, naval vessels, cruise ships and superyachts. The company now works across Europe, Asia and the Americas covering many market segments of the marine sector. It has employed 43 apprentices in the last 10 years. SeaKing is certified through Bureau Veritas for the ISO9001 and 14001 management standards.

For further details on the SeaKing Group’s services contact T: +44 (0)151 652 4821 E: enq@seakinggroup.co.uk 

SeaKing Electrical background

SeaKing Electrical caters for the marine, industrial, commercial, military and offshore markets, specialising in electrical and electronics engineering. It delivers offshore wind market support, marine installations to SOLAS requirements, vessel survey and upgrades system engineering, complete mechanical & electrical packages and software development. It further delivers construction, modification and refurbishment of electrical marine, commercial and industrial control. The firm can offer fault finding and repair automated process control systems, as well as repair or source and supply replacement electric motors, electronic variable speed drives, generators switchgear and PLCs. It has achieved ISO 14001 Environmental management.

11/06/2019

SeaKing Electrical has completed a sensitive upgrade project involving historic Lake District steamer MV Teal.

The contract with Windermere Lake Cruises involved wide-ranging repairs and upgrades to the three-deck passenger ferry during its winter layup period.

SeaKing Electrical business development manager Neil Mellenchip said the 31-day project required careful planning around a broader asbestos removal process.

The MV Teal was built in 1936 by Vickers of Barrow. It carries up to 533 passengers operating alongside sister steamers MV Swan and MV Tern on Lake Windermere.

“We began by disconnecting the 440V switchboard and removing all deckhead and bulkhead fittings to prepare the engine room for specialists to carry out the asbestos removal,” said Mellenchip. “New insulation was then reinstated by one of our regular supply chain partners and fellow Merseyside marine specialist IPS Marine Fabrication. Following this process SeaKing’s own installation team began to repair and contain cabling which was damaged during the asbestos removal process. The vessel’s switchboards were then reconnected and tested.

“With work taking place during the winter layup period, the vessel’s anti-condensation heaters were turned off. It was, therefore, necessary to test the insulation of the generators. During this process we discovered the megger readers were low before applying heaters to raise the insulation readings. We also identified a damaged connector block on the main generator cable which was later replaced.

“SeaKing engineers delivered a series of other small works including the installation of new battery boxes for the port and starboard generators and main engines. They further installed 14 LED fittings and two emergency light units to the engine room. New optical smoke detector heads were also installed while the fire detection panel was reconfigured to accommodate the new smoke detection heads. We phased engineers in throughout the project depending on requirements using up to five specialists at the busiest points.”

The MV Teal is 142ft long weighing 251tonnes. It is manned by seven crew and can reach a speed of 10 knots with its two 6-cylinder Kelvin diesel engines and two auxiliary generators. It offers passengers scenic views across England’s longest lake combining with other attractions.

Mellenchip said the recent contract comes hot on the heels of a separate deal secured with Cumbria County Council to repair electrics on the Mallard car ferry following a fire in 2018. This vessel required a new engine and complete rewire.

“SeaKing is building a strong track record working on Windermere’s ferries, which are iconic in England and an important part of the local community. We have now worked on a series of vessels which have served the Lake District for centuries.”

Seaking Electrical Ltd was set up in April 2001 targeting maintenance and project work for commercial ships, ferries, naval vessels, cruise ships and superyachts. The firm now works across Europe, Asia and the Americas covering many market segments of the marine sector. It employs more than 70 engineers with a thriving apprenticeship scheme.

17/04/2019

(UK/ Merseyside/ Birkenhead) marine firm SeaKing Group has supported Cammell Laird in a major refit involving one of the Ministry of Defence’s largest vessels – The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria.

The 30,000 tonne Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship entered a one-year re-fit period in September 2017 to extend its operational lifespan to the late 2020’s.

Wide-ranging work was carried out to ensure full compatibility with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) MARPOL regulations. Improvements to the Replenishment at Sea (RAS) equipment will now enable the vessel to replenish the new Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers. Meanwhile, an upgrade to the Bridge section will ensure a modern approach to naval navigation.

SeaKing Group Managing Director Dave Gillam said the firm was initially tasked by Cammell Laird and the MoD to provide a feasibility study which would later form the basis of the Bridge design.

“After carrying out a full inspection of the Bridge area we submitted a series of options to the MoD ranging from minimal work to a complete overhaul of the layout with significant changes to the ship structure,” he said. “The decision was then made to strip the entire interior of the Bridge back to its shell and replace it with a more efficient layout.

“The new design was based around previous installations on RFA vessels which SeaKing had delivered in close partnership with Cammell Laird. It involved the installation of four separate consoles. SeaKing was responsible for the overhaul and reconfiguration of legacy equipment and the installation of new equipment. This included the new RADAR’s, Warship Electronic Charting Display & Information System (WECDIS) and the Navigation Distribution & Conning System (NDACS).”

Alongside other nominated sub-contractors, SeaKing was also tasked with full system integration within the Bridge section. This included the set up and synchronisation of key equipment such as steering gear, signals and controls, wind speed and direction, gyro inputs, ships speed log, pitch and roll, ships AIS, voyage data recordings, main engine and propulsion signals, new NVG compatible navigation lighting and associated controls, and numerous other naval communications systems.

Additional work involved the design, manufacture and installation of a new deck lighting control system. This was achieved with an HMI Touchscreen providing automated control.

On completion of the project SeaKing received commendations from both RFA Superintendents and OEM Directors on the level of diligence, workmanship and effort to complete a specification which was not fully developed at the outset.

Mr Gillam said the project added to the firm’s world class military marine portfolio further and further strengthened its long-term partnership with Cammell Laird.

“SeaKing is proud to have supported Cammell Laird over the last decade with its RFA cluster contract delivering ‘through-life support’ to a catalogue of MoD vessels,” he said. “As we plan for the future we were particularly pleased to see Cammell Laird securing two further 10-year contracts to support the RFA, worth an estimated £619million. These contracts will run until 2028 and come a major boost to Merseyside’s maritime sector and supply chain as a whole.”

For further details on SeaKing Groups services contact its business development Manager Neil Mellenchip:  T: +44 (0)151 652 4821 E: enq@seakinggroup.co.uk

20/03/2019

SeaKing Electrical has completed a series of upgrades to three DFDS ferries at Damen Dunkerque Shipyard in France.

 The package of work was delivered to short ferries including the MS Dunkerque Seaways, MS Dover Seaways and MS Delft Seaways operated by Danish shipping company DFDS, in a total of 30 days.

SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam said the project follows work delivered in Autumn 2018 to the passenger and car ferries which operate in the English Channel between Dover and Dunkerque.

“Each vessels 10-day drydocking saw an intense period of planned upgrade work to Deck 6 restaurant areas,” said Mr Gillam. “A key element included an overhaul to lighting, and the removal of electrical apparatus in order to install four new Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) so that each engine has its own dedicated UPS. The UPS differs from auxiliary or emergency power systems or standby generators in that they provide near instantaneous protection from input power interruptions, by supplying energy stored in batteries. The UPS were installed in the Transformer Room which is a challenging area to operate due to space restraints and multiple enclosed sections aft of the main engine room. The team also fitted four ABB HMI (Human Machine Interface) systems in the Motor Control Room.

“This latest upgrade for DFDS Seaways follows a four-week project delivered in Autumn last year which saw a ten-man team delivering electrical upgrades to entertainment systems in 80 cabins and the fitting of VDSs (Variable Speed Drives) to car deck vent fans. In both instances SeaKing was required to work to tight time scales across multiple vessels. This required careful planning and strict project management. Our ongoing work with DFDS showcases SeaKing’s ability to consistently deliver on time and to budget. We have a team of more than 70 highly experienced engineers who can travel anywhere in the world to solve complex electrical engineering challenges involving any marine vessels.”

SeaKing works in shipyards across the UK, Europe, Asia, America and Caribbean covering many segments of the marine sector. Since setting up 2001 it has developed a strong track record supporting high-profile military contracts, including work on both Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and a series of Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.

Mr Gillam said the firm’s broad experience across the military and commercial sector has enabled it to diversify. “Over the years our close connection with neighbouring shipyard Cammell Laird, and in particular work on high profile military contracts, has encouraged a culture of continuous development and stringent internal management systems. This has enabled us to grow, develop and secure greater volumes of work in other areas including cruise ships, ferries and superyachts. In 2018 we completed projects on 26 superyachts alone.

“We continue to see great potential in the ferry and cruise market for our complete marine electrical engineering service. This includes design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Typical areas which need attention in this subsector include thruster systems, radar and navigation, generator synchronising, distribution boards and steering gear feedback systems. Our role frequently involves constructing, modifying and refurbishing marine electrical control equipment. We also offer fault finding and repair services with all our marine installations meeting SOLAS requirements.”

For further details on SeaKing Group’s services contact its business development Manager Neil Mellenchip: T: +44 (0)151 652 4821 E:enq@seakinggroup.co.uk

12/11/2018

Merseyside’s SeaKing Electrical is ushering in four new starters on the 10th anniversary of its apprentice training scheme.

 A grand total of 43 apprentices have now been employed by the marine electrical specialist. SeaKing employs more than 100 engineers worldwide with a track record delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and USA.

 New apprentices Callum Mulrooney, James Fields, Michael Mcevoy Hayes and Bradley Jones will now embark on a two-year extended diploma, NVQ Level 2 and 3, in Electrical Installation alongside a BTEC Diploma in advanced Manufacturing & Engineering.

SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam said apprenticeships represent a long-term investment for the firm and the new recruits underwent rigorous panel interviews before securing the roles.

“SeaKing is experiencing an exciting period of growth as we look to expand into markets including the superyacht sector, while increasing our presence in our more established areas such as naval, cruise and commercial marine,” he said. “It is essential our team has the skill to fully capitalise on the new opportunities that we have identified in the coming years. This is one of the reasons we like to train people from grass roots level. SeaKing invests heavily in apprenticeships because they provide an excellent foundation in technical skill and knowledge. We can then mould the recruits into world-class marine electrical engineers.

“Our apprenticeship programme has attracted a great level of interest over the years and we take great pride in nurturing talent and providing jobs for our local community. We are also proud of the strong partnership we have developed with the Engineering College since 2013 which has enabled us to convert many apprentices into full-time workers.

“We offer a full package in marine electrical control from survey, design and manufacturing to installation, refurbishment and maintenance. Due to the variety of services we provide there is a great deal for our apprentices to learn. The training is intense and lasts a number of years. However, it equips them with skills to create life-long careers and travel the world.”

The Engineering College runs 20 maritime, engineering and sector-support apprenticeships. Courses focus on welding, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer aided design, pipetting, project control, rigging, steel erection, railway track maintenance and non-destructive testing (NDT).

For further details on SeaKing Electrical’s services contact its business development director Neil Mellenchip: T: +44 (0)151 652 4821 E:enq@seakinggroup.co.uk

26/09/2018

UK Maritime engineering company SeaKing Electrical is announcing its busiest year in a decade for superyacht work ahead of its attendance at the Monaco Boat Show.

 Liverpool City Region based SeaKing Electrical has sent teams to work on 18 superyacht repair and upgrade projects in the nine months until September beating its previous record of 17 jobs in all of 2017. The company has worked in the Mediterranean in Cadiz, Cartagena, Genoa, La Ciotat and Barcelona as well as Miami in the United States and Antigua in the Caribbean.

SeaKing managing director David Gillam said the company is seeing increased demand for its electrical services on yachts ranging from 34m to 120m.

He said demand is expected to continue as yachts return from charter at the ‘close season’ in October.

“Superyachts are a highly specialised sector and owners, shipyards and charterers want to work with engineering companies with a clear track record,” he said. “SeaKing has worked hard for 10 years to build up technical knowledge and experience of superyachts drawing on our heritage of working extensively on warships, ferries, cruise ships and commercial vessels.  The prime work we have carried out this year on superyachts includes inspections, audits and repair of faulty or inefficient equipment. Our teams have worked in shipyards or at sea undertaking works covering bridge integration, power generation, propulsion, automation, earth monitoring systems as well as CCTV and security systems. A project on a 80m yacht in saw our design and technical team complete a load balance from conception. Another job in Italy required our engineers to remove an obsolete unsupported ship management system and install a new Deif system together with integration with the ships generators. Other work has involved a five-year insurance survey to identify electrical faults, infrared thermography surveys for switchboards, the synchronising and load balancing of generators as well as AV and underwater deck and interior lighting LED upgrades.”

Mr Gillam said all of SeaKing’s installations are carried out to meet Class and SOLAS requirements.

“Superyacht customers are keen to identify innovative ways to make their vessels more energy efficient and environmentally friendly towards marine life,” he said. “This includes power generation and propulsion systems, lighting and entertainment systems. On one project we upgraded the on-board Crestron control, media distribution and entertainment network with a brand new KNX system, WIFI, and advanced DALI lighting system all of which reduced light and noise pollution.”

Mr Gillam said SeaKing’s team has further travelled to Abu Dhabi, Canada, Germany and Spain this year to carry out superyacht survey work.

SeaKing’s superyacht sector growth comes shortly after it announced a tender win from Cumbria County Council to repair The Mallard car ferry, operating in England’s Lake District, following fire damage. The company also announced the completion of a recent deal to undertake electrical upgrades on three DFDS ferries at Damen Dunkerque Shipyard in France. SeaKing presently employs more than 100 engineers, including a vibrant apprenticeship program. The company has a turnover of more than £8million.

For further details on SeaKing Electrical’s services contact its business development Manager Neil Mellenchip: Tel: +44 (0)151 652 4821 Email:enq@seakinggroup.co.uk  Visit: www.seakinggroup.co.uk

06/08/2018

Merseyside based maritime engineering company SeaKing Electrical has won a tender from Cumbria County Council to repair the electrics on the council-owned car ferry the Mallard following a fire earlier this year.

 The ferry’s engine room caught fire in March following a hydraulic leak causing an evacuation of 80 people from the vessel while it was operating on Lake Windermere in England’s Lake District. The Mallard has capacity for 100 passengers and 18 cars.

 SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam, pictured above, said following a damage inspection of the vessel it was clear a complete rewiring job was required together with the installation of a new engine.

 “We are delighted to repair the famous Windermere ferry for Cumbria Council,” he said. “SeaKing understands what a vital role the ferry plays, and our team are working now to fix the electrics so it can get back to sailing and supporting the local community as soon as possible.”

Mr Gillam said the electrical works required are extensive and a whole new electrical system has been designed to meet inland waterways regulations and an inspection by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

“SeaKing has considerable experience of repairing fire damage on ships worldwide ranging from Royal Fleet Auxiliary naval vessels to large commercial vessels in the Mediterranean,” he said. “On this job we are undertaking afloat repairs removing all existing cabling and installing new electrics through-out the ship including the switchboard, control room, wheel-house, propulsion systems, lighting and the engine room. A new fire detection system will be installed to protect the wheel-house, engine room, secure room and passenger accommodation.”

Mr Gillam said a PA system is being put in place to allow messages and safety announcements to be broadcast in the passenger accommodation and car deck. A cut-out facility will be provided to allow media systems to be over-ridden when a safety announcement is made.

“We are further working on a CCTV system with cameras covering the engine room, passenger accommodation, forward and aft ramps and forward and aft passenger gates,” he said. “This is a thorough job with the highest standards of safety being adhered to. We are working closely with the MCA andSeaKing’s experienced team are using world-class equipment and parts in line with classification standards. Being afloat repairs we are also ensuring the job is carried out without any pollution to the lake or harm to the environment.”

Karl Melville, senior manager at Cumbria County Council’s highways and transport service said:

“The Windermere ferry is an iconic and important part of the local community and a ferry has served the Lake District for centuries.  The council is pleased to be working alongside SeaKing to get the ferry back in to action as soon as possible.”

This latest job marks a busy year for SeaKing Electrical. The company has worked across the UK and Europe on naval ships, superyachts and ferries.SeaKing presently employs more than 100 engineers, including a vibrant apprenticeship programme. SeaKing has a turnover of more than £8million.

For further details on SeaKing Electrical’s services contact its business development manager Neil Mellenchip: T: +44 (0)151 652 4821 E:enq@seakinggroup.co.uk

Seaking Electrical – The Parliamentary review highlighting best practice 

The Seakinggroup continues to provide global Electrical support to the marine sector in 2018 with a cruise ship interior upgrade in Cadiz and superyacht projects in Cartagena, Genoa, La Ciotat, Barcelona, Miami, Antigua and Croatia.

Seaking Electrical technicians replaced a Power management system on a 50m superyacht during its recent refit. Other works carried out included Calibration of the tank gauging system and replacement of the 24v charging system.

SeaKing has attended the Monaco Yacht Show following a busy period of business development at maritime trade fairs across the globe. The firm set sail for the show at Port Hercules, in Monaco, from September 28 to October 01.

SeaKing group business development manager Neil Mellenchip said: “The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is one of the largest mega yacht events on the globe. It saw the iconic Port Hercules transform into an international hub of high-level superyacht business for four days.

”The MYS docks saw exhibits from more than 500 world leading luxury yachting companies, superyacht yacht designers and builders, brokerage houses, nautical suppliers, refit shipyards, service providers including tenders or yachting federations and associations. More than 30,000 professional visitors, business decision makers and high net worth individuals attended.

“The show provides a unique opportunity to visit an outstanding fleet of custom-made superyachts & mega yachts from 25 to 100 metres long,” said Mr Mellenchip. “It is a terrific platform for SeaKing to communicate the services and key benefits we can offer this sector.

“We are witnessing a surge in demand for our work in the superyacht sector, delivering work in Europe, America and the Caribbean, as we can deliver a broad range of complex and demanding services. MYS provides a first class setting for people to discuss new technologies, innovative ship projects, and critically take action. We have been attending MYS for many years cultivating new relationships.”

SeaKing is continuing to drive momentum in the European cruise ship sector after completing recent projects in Cadiz and Bordeaux. SeaKing Electrical Managing Director Dave Gillam said typical areas that need attention in the cruise ship sector include thruster systems, radar and navigation, generator synchronising, distribution boards and steering gear feedback systems. “SeaKing benefits from a strong reputation in the international ferry and cruise sector, delivering projects for a number of major operators he said. “We provide the complete marine electrical engineering service. This involves high-skill design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Our role frequently involves constructing, modifying and refurbishing marine electrical control equipment. We further offer fault finding and repair services. across all key components of the vessel and all of our marine installations meet SOLAS requirements.”

A number of specialist projects have seen the SeaKing team completing work on cable laying vessels and specialist nuclear cargo carriers. SeaKing recently worked aboard the Wave Sentinel cable layer at Portland, upgrading the Fire Detection system. The work was carried out for Global Marine Systems saw the firm commended for delivering and completing the works ahead of schedule demonstrating a number of SeaKing’s key strengths in speed and flexibility.

Prasath Segaran Assistant Ship Superintendent for Global Marine Systems said: “Let me take this opportunity to thank all personnel who attended the Wave Sentinel to deliver the work faster than the agreed time frame. I have to specially endorse SeaKing’s support and flexibility which matched all our requirements. I believe this was done thoroughly professionally and full credit goes to the SeaKing team.”

The superyacht sector has been calling on SeaKing’s specialist electrical marine engineering expertise to deliver a broad variety of projects on vessels ranging from 34m to 68m across the Mediterranean. SeaKing has developed relationships with several yacht management companies and we are now seeing an increase in demand in the high-end superyacht market which we put down to our technical knowledge and troubleshooting ability alongside our flexibility and quick response. The firm has been contracted on a number of occasions in recent months to carry out inspections, audits and repair of numerous faulty or inefficient equipment on jobs across the Mediterranean including Spain, Italy, the South of France and the Greek Islands,

Major installations of new and modern systems have also been completed both alongside repair berths and within comprehensive dry dock projects covering a range of system including underwater lighting, propulsion systems, engine alarm and monitoring as well as survey, test and reports on the main electrical systems.

SeaKing Group Business Development Manager Neil Mellenchip said “These are very interesting contracts to work on which really showcase the range of services we offer the discerning super yacht sector, and is a key growth sector for us,”. “Upgrade projects on superyachts are often complex and demanding and SeaKing has fast developed a track record for problem solving and we are now witnessing an increase in demand for our services through complimentary references throughout the sector. Our experience in the superyacht market is broad and includes a range of services, from Bridge integration, Power generation, Propulsion, automation, earth monitoring systems as well as CCTV and Security systems, On one project we were responsible for upgrading the on board Crestron control, media distribution and entertainment network with a brand new KNX system, WIFI, and advanced DALI lighting system.

The complexity of super yacht equipment is increasing each year,” added Mr Mellenchip. “It is vital that any electrical technicians involved with this sort of work have a thorough and complete understanding of product application and the installation process. We adapt quickly to any new advances and we ensure our technicians receive the highest standards of training to carry out the work with speed and efficiency.”

Alongside Cammell Laird and A&P SeaKing has completed a raft of maintenance and repair contracts in recent months on many ships of leading ferry operators including Caledonian MacBrayne, IOMSP, P&O and DFDS Seaways.

A recent project saw SeaKing replacing all the winch fwd and aft winch control stations and controllers with all works being pre-planned to enable completion within the short term dry-docking period.

SeaKing has built a strong reputation in the ferry market in particular delivering green technology aimed at reducing vessels’ carbon footprint, with a number of ships being fitted with modern technology including LED lighting and the fitting of variable speed drives (VSD) for seawater pumps and Ventilation fans.

SeaKing Group Business Development Manager Neil Mellenchip said “Efficiency savings are now a vital part of business plans for marine companies and our drives and lighting solutions not only cut costs but also reduce harmful emissions from vessels,”.

Controlling flow via mechanical devices such as bypass valves and air dampers is both inefficient and expensive to maintain especially as the motors often operate at full capacity even when not required, therefore by integrating and automating the VSD controls into the original control system it enables the operators to control the speed of these pumps according to demand, reducing fuel and energy use as well as cutting CO2 emissions.

The ship/ project bespoke panels are built at SeaKing’s manufacturing plant in Birkenhead and installed at ports across the globe. With an estimated payback period of less than two years it which shows their value to ferry operators.

SeaKing has also committed many hours into researching the developing LED lighting market to be able to determine and offer the best equipment and solutions for each individual project again helping operators cut costs and meet international environmental targets.

SeaKing has completed work as part of a sensitive restoration project for the historic Daniel Adamson steamship. Working with volunteer partners including Cammell Laird shipyard, SeaKing delivered a package of key design and installations to complete the new Electrical system, including new a new generator to provide power distribution system for both AC & DC.

Further work included installing internal and external deck light fittings whilst sympathetically maintaining the vessels traditional appearance, this also included remanufacturing of the port and starboard wheelhouse consoles and fitting modern equipment to ensure the vessel complied with SOLAS regulations nut maintaining the original appearance as far as practical., further upgrades were delivered to the vessel’s alarm, PA, CCTV, fire detection and navigation systems.

The historic Daniel Adamson steam boat made its return to Liverpool’s Albert Dock after a £3.8m restoration – just in time for the May Steam on the Dock Festival. The upgrade project ensured it was open to the public for the first time in 30 years. It took an entire year for the project team to fully restore the ship which was built more than 100 years ago in 1903. Dan Cross, chair of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, said: “It’s fantastic that the Danny has been restored to its former glory. We are immensely proud of all our volunteers and workers for managing to restore the ship on Merseyside and at the shipyard where it was first built. Around 100,000 hours of volunteer labour has gone into refurbishing the ship including its steam engines.”

The restoration work, part of a £3.8m Heritage Lottery Fund award and with support from the Mayor of Liverpool included refurbishing all the brass work and intricate woodwork including returning the saloons to the 1930s styles.

Earlier this year the Seaking Yacht team were asked to attend a Motor yacht in Antibbe to supply and fit underwater lighting to the vessel. The result is excellent. This is one of several Super yacht projects which Seaking have worked on in 2016

The SeaKing Group has installed a new digital wireless communication system on board a Ministry of Defence vessel.

Managing director Dave Gillam said the firm was tasked with delivering strong and continuous wireless communication links throughout the vessel.

Mr Gillam said The SeaKing Group carried out extensive technical trials using a Clear-Com FreeSpeak II system before installing the technology.

It marks the first installation of a Clear-Com FreeSpeak II system on board a vessel and is set to be repeated as The SeaKing Group embarks on a second installation project aboard a second grey ship.

“The MoD requires clear communications for its engineers working in engine rooms and machinery spaces,” he said. “This is a challenge faced by many vessel operators who traditionally use magnetic loop, conventional radio or infra-red solutions. But these all come with limitations. The SeaKing Group was tasked with delivering an efficient, reliable and dynamic solution.

“After evaluating many potential options we carried out a series of high-level technical trials using the Clear-Com communications software. We found it had the ability to maintain a reliable wireless connection across particularly challenging radio frequency terrain – for example the engine rooms, which are essentially large metal boxes packed with machinery. The system delivers crystal-clear digital audio no matter where we tried it, from bottom plates to the funnel space.

“We then arranged long-term customer trials to put the technology through rigorous examination under normal working conditions. The communication systems again excelled and following positive feedback we completed a full installation.”

Clear-Com FreeSpeak II can operate as a standalone system, with up to 20 full-duplex wireless beltpacks connected to one base station. As an integrated solution, where beltpacks are connected to a Matrix frame, up to 50 user connections can be achieved. Active antennas provide a beltpack to base station distance range of up to 1,000 metres.

Mr Gillam said FreeSpeak II is a high-performance wireless intercom system which operates in multiple world-wide frequency bands. It is designed for extensive communication in large-scale operations.

Its ability to maintain a strong wireless connection across an expansive coverage area makes it an ideal roaming solution for a number of applications outside the maritime sector including live event, broadcast, sport production and industrial.

Valmet has entered into a marine automation partnership with The SeaKing Group, a marine and industrial electrical engineering company based in the Liverpool region, UK. According to the agreement, The SeaKing Group will become an official distributor for Valmet’s automation services to the maritime industry in the UK.

The SeaKing Group’s role will involve a professional first-line response operation that provides highly skilled engineers to install and maintain Valmet’s automation systems. The company can also support Valmet with supply chain management, leading teams of subcontractors and coordinating projects.

“By joining forces with the SeaKing Group, we will be in a better position to participate in marine automation projects both in the new build and retrofit business in the UK market. Valmet has strong automation expertise and advanced technology, which we can now combine with our new partner’s excellent local contacts and experience,” says John Weierud, Director, Marine Automation, Valmet.

“This partnership will play a vital role in the development of new skills and broaden our understanding of progressive technologies that bring benefits to customers. The Valmet brand association also greatly helps open up new business opportunities in international projects,” states Dave Gillam, Managing Director, The SeaKing Group.

The SeaKing Group has secured a transatlantic service agreement with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of green technology for the maritime sector.

The Birkenhead and Aberdeen business will be supporting Hyde Marine Inc. with its delivery of Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS).

Hyde Marine is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, where the company designs and manufactures the Hyde Guardian GoldTM BWTS that combines efficient filtration and Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection of seawater.

It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the New York Stock Exchange listed Calgon Carbon Corporation (NYSE: CCC) – a global leader and innovator in purification technologies for water and air.

SeaKing managing director Dave Gillam said the “green water” systems are set to play a major role in the global shipping sector.

The systems prevent the spread of invasive maritime species which is recognised as one of the greatest ecological threats to the planet.

Mr Gillam said the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is set to enforce a convention making it mandatory for vessels worldwide to carry out ballast water management procedures.

The convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 states, representing 35pc of world merchant shipping tonnage. To date, 38 states with an aggregate of slightly more than 30pc of the world’s merchant fleet tonnage have embraced the convention.

“The SeaKing Group has been appointed as an official partner to Hyde Marine and will be offering support on a global scale,” said Mr Gillam. “We will be delivering a broad range of services including survey, installation and maintenance for BWTS. This strategic service agreement will involve sending specialist SeaKing teams to docks around the world. Our work will support Hyde Marine with the surge in business which is expected following ratification of the IMO convention.

“The SeaKing Group benefits from a strong reputation overseas for delivering the complete maritime electrical engineering solution. However, this is a significant development which will further boost our brand awareness in the export market. It demonstrates the international respect for our high level skill and experience. It further signals our ambition to grow, our passion for new technology and our progressive outlook as a thrusting, forward thinking British exporter.”

The SeaKing Group business development manager Neil Mellenchip said members of the firm have recently returned from Miami following several meetings with Hyde Marine.

“We are delighted to be working in this highly interesting area of the maritime market, which has global importance,” he said. “The transfer of marine species within ballast water is causing enormous and irreversible damage to the environment. Hyde Marine specifically uses UV technology which minimises any negative effect on the environment without the use of chemicals.

“We have already delivered BWTS projects on military vessels and can replicate this work on any vessel across the world. SeaKing is in a terrific position to provide first class technical support when the new measures come into force.”

Calgon Carbon Corporation acquired Hyde Marine as part of its Ultraviolet (UV) Technologies Division in 2010. This acquisition combined the considerable worldwide drinking and wastewater treatment expertise of Calgon Carbon with Hyde Marine’s many years of experience in shipboard ballast water treatment systems.

Hyde Marine has now sold more than 325 Hyde GUARDIAN BWTS, delivered more than 225, and commissioned more than 140 for operation on a variety of vessels around the world.

The SeaKing Group has invested in new “high impact” electrical engineering software.

The firm, which also has offices in Aberdeen, has invested in ETAP software which supports the design, simulation, operation and automation of industrial power systems.

The SeaKing Group managing director Dave Gillam said the advanced software helps to drive maximum levels of reliability, safety and energy efficiency across power infrastructure.

He said ETAP is qualified for use in the nuclear and military sectors, as well as ‘mission critical’ operations, opening up great potential for SeaKing to drive business growth.

“The SeaKing Group’s core focus lies in marine electrical engineering,” said Mr Gillam. “Clean and reliable electric power is at the foundation of any business’ ability to offer its products and services.
“Our mission is to help asset managers and owners of commercial marine and offshore vessels maximise the potential of their electrical infrastructure. To achieve this we have made a significant investment in the ETAP software package and subsequent staff training. This package will enable SeaKing to deliver the very highest industry standards.”

ETAP provides a set of core tools, embedded analysis modules and engineering libraries. This enables the creation, configuration, customisation and management of power systems.

It is used in particular by the Ministry of Defence and the US Navy for short circuit calculations and ARC Flash analysis on power generation, switchboards and downstream electrical distribution systems. The software can also provide modelling of circuit breaker discrimination.
Mr Gillam said a number of SeaKing’s staff had embarked on specialist training to use the software. It will essentially enable the firm to survey vessels, produce diagrams and performance calculations, including growth margin studies.

“SeaKing is constantly looking for ways to improve its service and drive even greater levels of customer satisfaction,” he said. “We believe this can be achieved by combining advanced technology, like ETAP software, with the broad industry knowledge, experience and expertise within the SeaKing Group. We are committed to delivering cutting edge and cost effective electrical engineering solutions for our clients. We believe this latest investment is a clear signal of our intent to continue raising the bar.”

For more information contact John Kelly at The SeaKing Group on 0151 6524821 or email john.kelly@seakinggroup.co.uk

The SeaKing Group is helping clients to slash energy use and costs after signing two strategic lighting partnerships.

The firm which delivers electrical engineering projects across the globe has joined forces with two specialist LED lighting firms, Suffolk-based Dialight and North London-based ECOLED.

The SeaKing Group business development manager Neil Mellenchip said the move would enable the firm to offer even greater value for money.

“We are extremely happy to have formed partnerships with two of the UK’s leading Suppliers of energy efficient LED lights,” he said. “Lighting frequently plays a key role in our electrical engineering projects. By working alongside these two firms we will be able to provide the very latest LED lighting technology which sees frequent innovation to improve light output, efficiency and reliability. We will be able to provide cutting edge solutions for both the maritime and industrial sectors through our main marine division, SeaKing Electrical, as well as our land based division, Peter D Welch Electrical Contractors.”

A recent project saw SeaKing carrying out a lighting infrastructure investigation onboard commercial ferries in France to identify ways of driving greater efficiency and energy savings.

“High calibre LED solutions can greatly enhance lighting life expectancy rates,” said Mr Mellenchip. “They can further bring energy savings of up to 90pc. LED fittings also benefit from being more durable and reliable than older more traditional lighting, without compromising on light quality.”

Dialight designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of DuroSite® and SafeSite® LED luminaires for industrial and hazardous areas, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. ECOLED Ltd on the other hand has more than 20 years experience in Retail and Commercial LED lighting design technology. The range includes uplighters/down lighters/wall mounted/under water/strip and colour change lighting.
“Many of our customers have the same requirements when it comes to lighting,” said Mr Mellenchip. “They want solutions which reduce maintenance and energy usage but also boost environmental credentials, safety and productivity. Critically, we want to provide solutions which help our clients to reduce costs and drive performance.

This is why we have aligned with two of the UK’s most respected names in LED lighting to demonstrate our commitment to providing the complete electrical engineering package.”

The firm secured the Maritime Award in front of more than 450 leading figures from the regional business world. The prestigious annual event at Birkenhead School was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips to recognise and reward the Wirral’s best businesses and leading entrepreneurs.

SeaKing Group Business Development Manager Neil Mellenchip received the award on behalf of the company alongside the firm’s finance Director Chris Dahill. Mr Mellenchip said it was a proud moment for the Birkenhead business which has delivered projects across globe in the last 12 months.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have received the 2013 Maritime Award,” he said. “We were in an extremely strong category with other organisations and businesses which carry out terrific work including the likes of Mersey Maritime and Dantec ltd. We take great pride in our global reach and the standard of work we deliver. We carry out projects across a broad range of marine sectors including military, commercial, leisure and offshore markets. One of our greatest strengths is the broad range of services we offer including marine surveys, installations, repairs and upgrades. Our skill, expertise, flexibility and appetite for growth also enables us to send personnel to remote locations at short notice. We are delighted these qualities were acknowledged by the judges on the night.”

SeaKing Electrical’s successful award application further focused on the firm’s ethos and training policy. Mr Mellenchip said the business keeps abreast of latest industry developments and pioneering trends to stay competitive. “We also invest great time, effort and money into our apprenticeship programme to bring on the region’s next generation and to future proof the firm,” he said. “Another of SeaKing’s strengths is our longstanding partnerships with other service providers, which remain a key business strategy to further develop skills and training.”

Seeking has recently carried out work in the Suez Canal, Congo, Azores, Hong Kong and Malaysia,Grand Bahama, Russia and Mexico. The firm completed more than 50 contracts worldwide between 2011 and 2012 in turn growing staff by a third. Turnover is now in excess of £8m and during peak project activity it employs more than 125 electrical engineers.

Birkenhead-based marine electrical engineering firm SeaKing has completed work for Cammell Laird shipyard to return car ferry MV Hoy Head to service with Orkney Ferries.

Cammell Laird was employed to increase the car capacity on the vessel from 14 to 24 cars or for up to three 16.5 metre HGVs and seven cars. The work gave the vessel the highest load capacity in the Orkney Ferries fleet, adding considerable extra capacity for the Orkney Islands of Hoy and Flotta, the communities served by the Hoy Head.

SeaKing Electrical carried out complex cabling work on the vessel. The project saw the ferry split in half with a new middle section inserted. This required SeaKing to cut, upgrade and reconnect electrical systems via the new section.

SeaKing managing director Dave Gillam said the job required in-depth expertise and skills.

“This was a tremendous project for SeaKing to be involved with as it utilised a lot of the skills we have built up within the workforce over the years,” said Mr Gillam. “Key aspects involved mapping the existing electrical system and upgrading infrastructure to drive greater efficiency. We had to keep track of all the existing cables while adding new ones for the new control systems. We installed a new propulsion engine and propeller unit plus there was a new bow thruster fitted to improve operation in high winds. These systems needed to be controlled from both the bridge and the bow. In total, the project involved 60pc new electrical installation work and 40pc refurbishment work to the existing system.”

SeaKing also installed a fire detection panel and removed the radio and navigation systems to allow the vessel interior to be repainted before re-installing them. The firm further fitted an auto-pilot system.

“The Orkney Ferries fleet play a crucial role for the island communities they serve,” said Mr Gillam. “We were delighted to provide our expertise as part of a major project to help make the service of the MV Hoy Head more effective for its crew and passengers.”

Birkenhead based SeaKing Electrical has paid tribute to “true gentleman” and longstanding foreman at the firm Duncan Darroch who has died aged 42.

The father-of-two from Upton died tragically in June after suffering coronary artery failure.

He played a vital role at SeaKing managing teams of electrical engineers in projects spanning the globe in his 15 years at the firm.

SeaKing managing director Dave Gillam said Mr Darroch made an immense contribution to the business and the team’s thoughts are with his wife Lynn, and his two children Emily and Will.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news and we extend our most sincere condolences to Duncan’s family and close friends,” said Mr Gillam. “Duncan was a true gentleman and an absolute pleasure to work with. He played a huge role in the business for many years. As a foreman he was responsible for supervising and managing teams on site ensuring operations ran smoothly. He travelled across the world for SeaKing on a broad variety of jobs and was professional and thorough with everything he did.

“I can speak on behalf of everyone at SeaKing by saying what an honour it was to have known Duncan as both a close friend and work colleague. He had a terrific sense of humour, he was a strong manager, a team player and always brought the best out of people. He never took a backward step and took on any challenge, recently completing the Tough Mudder endurance course to raise cash for charity. Duncan will be greatly missed but his memory will live on in the business.”

Birkenhead based marine engineering firm SeaKing Electrical is using its skill and expertise to save endangered sea turtles after completing a brief for a pipe laying vessel operating off the Australian coast.

The Seven Seas will be involved in the Chevron-operated Gorgon Gas Project near Barrow Island Western Australia.

It has recently undergone a transformation to keep in line with environmental guidelines for the area addressing one of the biggest threats to turtles – artificial light from boats.

Turtles and hatchlings are drawn towards light from vessels where they are exposed to heightened danger from predators.

The Government of Western Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority has produced guidelines on the amount of light ships should emit in a bid to protect the marine creatures.

SeaKing Electrical Group business development manager Neil Mellenchip said the firm delivered a specialist external lighting project to help the Seven Seas adapt to these measures.

The vessel is owned by Subsea7 and operates in water depths up to 3,000m laying pipe cables for the transmission of oil and gas.

“This was a fascinating project to be involved in including both environmental and conservation aspects.” said Mr Mellenchip. “The Seven Seas has been reequipped by SeaKing engineers to reduce light emitted by the vessel. A team of SeaKing engineers spent a week installing a range of light filters on the vessel. The installation work was completed at Merwede yard in the Netherlands. Work involved applying filters to the vessels external lighting systems to counteract the light wavelength, intensity and glow. These measures will greatly affect the way the turtles react to the light. The completion of the job ensures that the lighting levels on the vessel comply with the new Australian regulations and will crucially help to protect turtles from dangers caused by light disturbance.”

All six species of marine turtles found in Western Australia are listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as threatened species.

Mr Mellenchip said that the firm’s engineers have recently undertaken work in the Republic of Congo, France, Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Holland.

Further work has recently seen the firm delivering a lighting infrastructure project with Liet Corp Ocean LED on board three DFDS Seaways ferries. The work took place in dry docks in Dunkirk, France helping to drive life-expectancy and energy rates.

“These international contracts demonstrate our ability to plan and execute complex overseas installations,” said Mr Mellenchip. “The service we offer is flexible, timely and cost effective giving it worldwide appeal. We have a workforce of more than 130 skilled technicians capable of delivering complete mechanical and electrical packages. Our core expertise lies in the construction, modification and refurbishment of electrical control and distribution hardware. We further provide solutions for system engineering, power generation, lighting and software upgrades. Aside from maintaining a strong presence in the military, commercial and superyacht sectors a core focus for 2013 will be to drive business growth and profile in new markets including the offshore renewables sector.

A team from Birkenhead based SeaKing Electrical is hoping to raise thousands of
pounds for charity after completing a hardcore 12-mile obstacle course designed
by the special forces.

The 12-strong group from the electrical engineering firm took on electric shocks, ice baths and bucket loads of mud in the Tough Mudder Challenge at the Chomondeley Estate, Cheshire, last weekend.

They were joined by hundreds of other competitors for the event which was the third of its kind in the UK following growing success in the US.

Team SeaKing completed the gruelling course in just over three hours in a bid to raise cash for the Candice Colley Foundation which supports cancer sufferers across Wirral.

The charity was set up in honour of Candice Colley, of Thingwall, who passed away in December 2010 following a brave four-year battle with leukaemia.

Team leader and SeaKing office manager Denise Gillam said they were delighted to complete the challenge for a charity close to their hearts. “It was a brilliant day which will live long in the memory,” she said. “The achievement of getting through those tough 12 miles is only just sinking in. We had a great team spirit and have been training together for weeks. This camaraderie really helped us all around the course. The challenge was a real test of strength, stamina and determination. But the hardest part was dealing with the cold – the ice bath obstacle came within the first ten minutes. We were all happy to reach the end after the last obstacle which involved 10,000v electric shocks. We hope to raise close to two thousand pounds for the Candice Colley Foundation. Many of us knew Candice personally so we are very proud to have completed this in her memory.”

The Candice Colley Foundation is currently focussing its support on Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral and The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at The Royal Liverpool Hospital.

For information about the charity, visit www.candicecolley.co.uk. Anyone wanting to donate to SeaKing’s challenge can contact SeaKing Electrical on Tel: 0151 652 4821

Birkenhead based marine engineering specialist SeaKing Electrical has completed a major international schedule of upgrade work on Thomson’s flagship cruise liner ‘Thomson Dream’.

The vessel is the largest and best equipped in the Thomson fleet. At the moment it operates on the travel specialist’s luxurious Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise routes.

SeaKing Electrical carried out a complete electrical upgrade to the vessel’s beauty salon and health club areas to drive energy efficiency. It further delivered a special “mood lighting” scheme on the vessel’s leisure deck to improve passenger experience.

The firm secured the deal through leading marine interior outfitting, refitting and refurbishment company Trimline. The project saw a total of eight electrical engineers delivering work in Tenerife and Hamburg.

SeaKing Electrical Group business development manager Neil Mellenchip said the Thomson installation underlines the firm’s ability to manage high profile programmes of electrical works for cruise industry clients.

“SeaKing Electrical is delighted that its work has been showcased on the ‘platinum upgrade’ of Thomson’s premier cruise ship,” he said. “The work aboard Dream demonstrates SeaKing’s ability to project manage complex electrical installations in a variety of locations to a tight time frame. Two project managers boarded the vessel in Tenerife to begin the work. They stripped out part of the leisure deck and isolated supplies. The vessel then made its way to Hamburg, Germany, for dry-docking. A larger group of SeaKing engineers joined the project there and together they installed a variety of new electrical equipment. Work was carried out while the vessel was dry docked and also in operation. This enabled the project to be completed in time for the ship’s docking in Lisbon, Portugal.”

Mr Mellenchip said work involved installing lighting, power, fire systems, data sockets, telephone lines and public announcement equipment to the beauty salon and massage rooms. SeaKing also installed LED and fluorescent lighting aboard the leisure deck.

Mr Mellenchip said the upgrade work on Thomson’s leading vessel gives the firm an excellent launch pad to target further work in the cruise sector.

“At SeaKing Electrical we understand the demands faced by the cruise industry,” he said. “Each element of our work was planned and designed to complement the schedules of other contractors working on the upgrade. This enabled us to plan an efficient installation programme with minimal disruption to Thomson’s luxury service. The message we want to deliver to cruise operators looking to upgrade and refit vessels is that SeaKing delivers a complete marine electrical engineering solution. Our services include consultation, planning and design to manufacturing, installation and maintenance.”

SeaKing Electrical has completed a major international contract delivering an
electrical upgrade to part of the Bibby Renaissance ship.

The Birkenhead based firm is a specialist in electrical engineering working across the global marine, offshore and industrial markets.

It was responsible for revamping the central air conditioning plant for the 332 bedroomed vessel to bring greater control and usability. The deal involved work across ports in Kippul, Malaysia and Singapore.

The work was carried out prior to the ship’s assignment to the Barrow Island offshore development.

SeaKing Group Business Development Manager Neil Mellenchip said: “This is a terrific contract demonstrating the electrical engineering expertise we can offer. It also shows the strength of our global reach and ability to work on international projects. We sent out a team of three technicians to complete the Renaissance contract. The work involved a complete upgrade to the vessel’s air conditioning system. This included fitting new panel controls to the air conditioning hub located in the plant room. We installed programmable logical controllers (PLCs) and improved visual indication to make the entire system much easier to use. The new controls allow temperature conditions around the vessel to be managed with greater efficiency. They also show a broader range of parameters helping with the overall management of the air conditioning equipment including items like compressors.”

The Bibby Renaissance Coastel is moored at Barrow Island, off Australia’s north west coast. It is used for offshore accommodation and has a range of facilities including a restaurant, games rooms, gymnasiums and roof terrace.

SeaKing Electrical worked alongside fellow Birkenhead and marine refrigeration specialists Brooktherm to complete the job. It involved electrical technicians Chris Potter and Ryan Millman and software engineer Tony Parr.

Mr Mellenchip said the firm will continue to build on its strong relationships with major vessel groups. “We have a highly skilled and experienced work force capable of operating in extremely demanding conditions,” he said. “The Renaissance project saw our team working in temperatures of more than 40C in ports across Malaysia and Singapore. This project adds to the wide variety of vessels SeaKing Electrical has worked on in the last year, including super yachts, dive support vessels, drill ships, ferries, tug boats and tanker. We deliver a complete electrical services package from survey and design to manufacturing, installation and maintenance. A key aim for 2012 and beyond is to build on the momentum of the last 12 months with a particular focus on the offshore market.”

Birkenhead based marine engineering firm SeaKing Electrical has recently completed work on a major upgrade of the Suez Canal radar system.

The equipment is now in operation guiding nearly a million tonnes of cargo annually.

SeaKing Electrical which employs 150 electrical engineers undertook the work for Norwegian offshore traffic management specialist Vissim.

SeaKing Electrical Group business development manager Neil Mellenchip said the firm is delighted to have completed its work on such a high profile installation.

“The Suez Canal Radar upgrade was a terrific opportunity for SeaKing to showcase its work on a large scale international project,” he said. “As one of the busiest and most vital global trade links, it is essential that authorities are able to track and guide marine vessels accurately. The installation went to plan and the upgraded system is now actively assisting more than 17,000 ships each year.”

SeaKing Electrical dispatched eight electrical engineers to Egypt to complete the contract. Work involved changing nine 18ft radar heads on top of 60 metre towers. The radar towers are located strategically on either side of the Gulf of Suez starting at Safaga and Sharm El Sheikh, covering 400 miles of the Suez Canal. The firm also installed internal cabling in equipment rooms of manned and remote control stations.

Mr Mellenchip, whose team of engineers underwent rope access training to operate safely at heights, said the project demonstrates the firm’s commitment to win work on further international marine projects.

“The Suez Canal contract was overseen by expert electrical engineers who spent long periods of time working in the remote Egyptian outposts,” he said. “The job’s completion highlights the credentials of SeaKing to plan and execute complex overseas installations to the highest standards and showcases our ability to work on similar marine projects such as wind farms where opportunities for expansion exist.”

SeaKing Electrical is a leading electrical engineering firm with offices in Merseyside and Aberdeen. It offers extensive experience and expertise in electrical engineering to the global marine, offshore and industrial markets. Recent contracts have seen the firm working with ferry operator DFDS Seaways and Norway based vessel surveillance system provider Vissim.

With a portfolio of work spanning the globe SeaKing takes pride in delivering the complete electrical package for the marine, industrial, commercial military and offshore markets.

In the last year SeaKing has undertaken a broad range of electrical engineering contracts for commercial ship operators, working in shipyards across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. These roles have included work on a variety of vessels including super yachts, dive support vessels, ferries, tug boats and tankers.

The offshore market remains a key target for the firm in 2012.

Its broad range of construction, conversions and refurbishment solutions is backed by a 125 strong specialist workforce and an expanding apprenticeship programme. The firm’s driving ambition saw the completion of more than 50 contracts worldwide in 2011 and it expects to increase turnover by 40pc in 2011/12.

A current on-going electrical repairs contract with Liet Corp Ocean LED involves the replacement of existing lighting infrastructure on board three DFDS Seaways ferries. The work, taking place in dry docks in Dunkirk, France, will see SeaKing installing LED lighting in restaurant, passenger and accommodation areas. Key benefits of the fittings include long life-expectancy rates and ultra-efficiency delivering energy savings of up to 90 per cent.

SeaKing Group Business Development Manager Neil Mellenchip said: “This contract demonstrates the scale of electrical repair projects we undertake. Our work normally involves design, as well as the removal of obsolete equipment and the installation of an updated electrical system. We have already completed work to one vessel which saw the installation of around 700 fittings. Refits on the other two vessels will be completed later this year. SeaKing prides itself on driving efficiency by delivering rapid turnaround times and high quality installation work. This particular job will also radically enhance power saving potential due to the calibre of products. The LED fittings are durable and reliable and will help drive down costs offering a longer lifespan than traditional lighting, without compromising on light quality.”

SeaKing’s expertise in building and repairing electrical and electronic systems has been reinforced by its partnership with Vissim. It is now looking to market this expertise within the marine communications sector. SeaKing is recognised as a UK assembly location and manufacturing hub for Vissim’s VTMS (Vessel Traffic Management Surveillance) systems. It has been working with the Norwegian offshore and coastal maritime surveillance outfit for the last five years. This arrangement has involved Seaking’s communication specialists and apprentices travelling to Norway to gain comprehensive training and accreditations in Vissim equipment.

Mr Mellenchip said SeaKing manufactures and repairs VTMS system racks containing power supplies, radar, AIS, VHF and computer equipment. It also assists with installation and offers a ready supply of technicians to carry out work internationally.

Mr Mellenchip said: “The work involved with the Vissim partnership is highly specialised. It is therefore crucial that our technicians receive the right qualifications and training to work on the VTMS systems. This equipment is highly tuned and plays a vital role in vessel safety management. The manufacturing process is therefore a hugely responsible role. We have made significant investments to ensure our staff have the necessary knowledge and expertise to carry out the work with speed and professionalism. It is also critically important to us that our younger generation of recruits, in particular apprentices, have the key skills needed to carry out this type of work into the future.

“We cater for Vissim’s VTMS requirement in the UK and also take on subsidiary work and export manufactured products when needed. This sort of high level electronic engineering is typical of many SeaKing contracts. And we expect to see more work in this area as Vissim grow in the offshore renewable market.”

Vissim Project Manager Lars Solberg said: “SeaKing Electrical has provided excellent services for Vissim. For areas such as UK offshore wind farm installations, Coastal surveillance and Ports and Harbours, UK Ministry Of Defence site electrical system installations and overseas communication system installations, our experience with SeaKing as a partner has been first class.”