MDC Tender System Launched

MDC's new, unique contracts and tenders facility, that has the potential to present members of the Marine Design Centre with an unprecedented level of high quality, new business opportunities, was greeted with great enthusiasm at the recent launch workshop.

Developed in partnership with Newcastle software specialist Nimis, the system gathers thousands of public and private sector opportunities every week from across web sites, newspapers, databases and portals, which are then filtered to provide marine and offshore sector opportunities through the Marine Design Centre website.

Christopher Souter of Souter Trading, who attended the launch, said he thought it had the potential to open up new opportunities for his firm.

He said: “The great thing is that it gathers comprehensive and relevant information on all potential tenders out in the market.

“As a result of the workshop we intend to have a one-to-one discussion with the Marine Design Centre so that we can understand exactly what can be achieved for my company.”

Hazel Juggins from Northumbria Commercial Enterprises, said: “The MDC system has been developed with users in mind and can be personalised to meet their individual needs. It is something we would like to explore further.”

Simon Ellis, Business Development Manager, Marine Design Centre, said: “We’re really pleased with the system as it brings real benefits to our members. Judging by the large turnout of members and other interested parties at the launch, it is clear they recognise the potential of the system.”

Marine and offshore-related tender opportunities are now to be posted exclusively on the MDC website – to which signed up members have free access.

The facility can be used to:

• Access contract opportunities
• Bid for opportunities
• Follow tenders across UK, Europe and US
• Locate new customers
• Produce mailing lists
• Find out who buys their competitors' products/services
• Identify and monitor competitors

 

For more information about the system please contact Simon Ellis on 0191 255 1710 or email simon.ellis@marinedesigncentre.com  

Business Opportunity

To mark the launch of the MDC Contracts & Tenders system, we will be highlighting one opportunity from the database in each news update....

UK-Exeter: Offshore Installation Services

Loadout, transportation and installation of approximately 26km of subsea power cable and a hub structure in up to 50 metres of water including nearshore trenching and a shore pull-in. In addition pre and post lay surveys along with the provision of rockdumping to ensure security of the hub and cable post installation along with the optional requirement for supply and installation of navigation marks.

Estimated value: £7,000,000 - £12,000,000

Deadline for specifications: 13/07/2009     Deadline for tender: 17/07/2009

If you would like further information about this opportunity or the MDC Contracts & Tenders system, please contact Simon Ellis on 0191 255 1710 or simon.ellis@marinedesigncentre.com

 

 

 

New Member is a Glaring Success

The Marine Design Centre extends a warm welcome to new member Solar Solve Marine. The Port of Tyne-based company is the world’s leading manufacturer of SOLASOLV safety sunscreens for ship windows, with over 85,000 in use on 8,500 vessels worldwide, including naval and commercial vessels in all industry sectors. 

Its screens are ‘custom made’ and are suitable for any type of vessel. SOLASOLV screens are instantly retractable and designed to ensure safer navigation. They reflect glare, heat and up to 99% of UV light, allowing optically clear vision and true colour rendition. SOLASOLV screens are the only sunscreens to be Type Approved by Lloyds, ABS and DNV.

The bridge windows on the Isle of Arran, above, show the spectacular reduction in glare achieved by the screens, while retaining a clear view.

Solar Solve Marine also manufactures roller blinds for accommodation areas under the ROLASOLV brand.

Julie Lightfoot, Managing Director of Solar Solve Marine, said: “We’re very pleased to be joining the Marine Design Centre. As we continue to expand and develop our product range, our need for technical and design support will grow and we are excited by the opportunity to develop our relationship with the Marine Design Centre and other members.” 

Above: Julie Lightfoot with Foreign Secretary and South Shields MP, David Milliband, and John Lightfoot, Chairman, Solar Solve Marine at the company's Port of Tyne manufacturing facility

For more information on anti-glare blinds, visit www.solasolv.com, or www.rolasolv.com for accommodation area blinds.

 

Perry Slingsby is in at the deep end

Congratulations to MDC member Perry Slingsby Systems, which has been chosen by marine diving and construction specialist Sistac to provide its first workclass ROV system for deployment on a range of projects within Brazil’s challenging deepwater environment.

PSS will deliver a Triton XLX 39 system capable of operating at depths of 3,050m in the third quarter of 2009. It will be deployed from Sistac’s base in Itaborai, Rio de Janeiro, to support subsea activities for Petrobras.

The Triton XLX 39 features a Dynacon launch and recovery system, an A-60 rated control van, a multi-image video wall, next generation Integrated Controls Engine and state-of-the-art graphical diagnostics. John Rhodes, VP-General Manager of PSS, said: “The TXLX 39 is an ideal platform for remote intervention operations and will provide a quality and reliable solution to Sistac’s subsea operations. Already an established name in its field, we are delighted Sistac has chosen PSS to make their first entry into the workclass market.

“Once again PSS has demonstrated its ability to develop and deliver innovative and practical solutions which exceed client requirements and expectations. As always, we value the loyalty of repeat customers and welcome the faith placed in us by our new customers.”

 

 

Chris leads North East monopoly of UK WorldSkills final

Congratulations also to Cramlington design engineer Chris Bradley and other contestants from the North East who filled the top places at the UK final of the WorldSkills Engineering CADD Competition.

Chris, who works at Miller UK, won gold; Tom Adams from Scarborough-based Unison Limited received silver; Rhys Long from Wallsend-based Wellstream was joint third.

Christopher Bradley (right) with UK Skills CAD Training Manager and Competitions Coordinator Mathew Bell

The finals were held in London after a series of regional heats. The Marine Design Centre hosted the Northern leg back in June, with the support of TDR training Ltd.

John Lockey, Business Development Manager for the Marine Design Centre, said: “We were delighted to host the Northern heat of WorldSkills at the Marine Design Centre and we knew that we were sending some great talents to the UK finals.

“These young men demonstrated to the rest of the country why the region is home to some of the very best young design engineers. At the Marine Design Centre, we have put in place a far-reaching higher skills initiative to help develop the next generation of design engineers. This result confirms that we have a very high pedigree of skilled people already operating in the region – and we need them to be joined by many more in the months and years ahead.”

Christopher Bradley, aged 23, from Morpeth, who is also studying for an HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Northumberland College, said: “It was a very tough two days. The competition was fierce and the judges pushed us all the way. We had to complete a number of engineering design tasks including the production of models and animation. I was delighted to win the event as I was being tested against some very good people.”

In 2011, the UK will host the WorldSkills competition finals in London. More than 1,000 competitors from 50 countries are expected to take part in the four-day event. Competitions like WorldSkills encourage young participants, tutors, trainers and employers to stretch their aspirations and accomplish more than they ever believed possible. They also improve the public perception of vocational skills and can help put entire communities on the map. For more information, visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com

 

DSEI: Come and See Us!

The Marine Design Centre team would be delighted to see you on their stand at the Defence Systems & Equipment International exhibition at Excel, London, on 8th - 11th September 2009.

The Marine Design Centre will be on stand 1667, alongside sister organisation NDI.

 

 

DSEi is the world's largest fully integrated defence and security exhibition, bringing together senior international trade and military experts from across the entire supply chain in an optimal business environment. For more information, click here.

Why not make an appointment to visit our stand?

Email info@marinedesigncentre.com and we'd be delighted to set up a meeting time.

 

Further AVEVA Training....

PDMS Equipment & Piping Design

20th - 24th July 2009

This excellent course covers a number of modules useful to equipment engineers & designers as well as instrument and electrical, architectural, piping, layout and structural engineers. The course will consist of basic functions, AVEVA Plant Design set-up, Equipment Design, Piping Design, Clash Detection, Reports and Isometric Production 

For full details of the course please click here.

For further details please contact us on 0191 255 1710 or email info@marinedesigncentre.com

Please contact MDC if you have other training requirements for PDMS or other CAD packages. If we have sufficient demand for particular courses we will endeavour to arrange the appropriate training!

 

Northern Wind Innovation Programme: Workshops

Our last news update highlighted the £2.6m funding being made available by the Northern Way Partnership to enable northern companies with capabilities or potential in the offshore wind sector to identify and realise new opportunities. Funding is available for projects in:

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        • AC/DC Electrical Conversion 
        • Foundation System Optimisation 
        • Bearing Quality Improvement 
        • Installation Technologies

Friday 17th July sees a workshop at Newcastle University for companies interested in Foundation System Optimisation and Installation Technologies.

The programme is also keen to fund projects developed by collaborative consortia. The deadline for Expressions of Interest in the programme is 31st July. For further information click here.

 

Step up your business with the Shell Step Programme

 

Most SMEs are well versed in the art of multi-tasking. As well as the day to day running of the business, you must also have one eye on the future - looking for new avenues to develop, projects to explore and identify the skills necessary to keep your business one step ahead. How attractive would it be to have a dedicated and largely self sufficient team member to concentrate on a project for you?

Shell Step provides a cost effective, short term and skilled resource to enable you to get a new or outstanding initiative off the ground. Designed to provide the UK’s brightest undergraduates with project based work experience, Shell Step enables your business to benefit from new skills without committing to training courses or additional employees. Once the project is complete you'll know whether there is an opportunity to expand your team.

The scheme is partially funded with a contribution towards the undergraduate's training allowance, costing your company only £105 per week. The undergraduate would receive £210 per week, tax and National Insurance exempt.

Shell Step offers hassle free recruitment, a short term commitment with long term benefits and is free from employer’s tax and National Insurance contributions.

Last few funded places remaining: to find out how Shell Step can help your business, call 0191 244 4036 or click here.

 

Meet the Member!

This month we are delighted to introduce a new regular feature, meeting some of the key personalities in MDC member companies.

 

Kicking the series off is Pat Rutherford, Operations Manager of Seawell Ltd...

What is your favourite pub or restaurant?
The Snowy Owl in Cramlington – great food and a good selection of real ales to boot. It’s out of town a bit though so trips have to be planned.

How do you relax?
I enjoy making things in my garage and riding my motorcycle. I like being busy and get bored quickly if there is no activity to occupy me.

Where is your favourite holiday location?
Curacao in the Caribbean – I went there on honeymoon and learned to scuba dive as well. When you have red hair and fair skin you learn to enjoy activities that keep you out of the sun so under water works for me. I’d sooner look for lobsters than turn into one.

Which country would you never wish to return to?
Yemen – Too hot and way too many guns…

Who or what makes you laugh?
My kids – they are 18, 14 and almost 2 – there is never a dull moment when they are all together.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema and when?
I think it was the last Harry Potter movie and was before my son was born so over 2 years ago. You don’t get many opportunities to go to the cinema when there is a baby in the house.

What’s your ideal job, other than your current one?
I loved being a surveyor of oil rigs – except in Yemen... Every rig was a new challenge and no two jobs were the same so you never got bored or complacent. I’ve visited many countries and met just about every ethnic race on the planet and feel privileged to have had a job that allowed me that possibility.

What is your greatest business achievement?
Being part of the team that established the Seawell Blyth office.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received?
Be bold in setting your goals – think big but always have a plan ‘B’.

And the worst?
Most advice is given with best intentions so it’s up to you if you take it. If things don’t pan out, you only have yourself to blame in my opinion.

How do you keep fit?
I play squash and ride my mountain bike. We’re planning a 100 mile sponsored cycle event this September and I’m worried my fitness level is not good enough yet.

What’s your most irritating habit?
Answering e-mails on my Blackberry when I’m at home and supposed to be relaxing watching TV with my wife.

Who or what has inspired you most in life?
My dad who inspired me to join the Merchant Navy and a line from my Engineer Cadet’s handbook that stated ‘a good engineer will have constant vigilance and ceaseless attention to detail’

Which company do you most admire and why?
Virgin Airways – they took on the big guns and won!

How would you like people to perceive your business?
As a professional organisation offering engineering excellence from a team of enthusiastic people determined to do it right the first time.