MDC UPDATE NOVEMBER 09

Aircraft Carrier contract boost for region

Congratulations to A&P Tyne Ltd, celebrating the award of a £55M contract to construct a section of the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers.

The project, which will provide around five years’ work for A&P and support the 210-strong workforce, will see A&P construct a 1,000 tonne section that will form part of the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.

David Hewitt, Director of The Marine Design Centre said; “We wish to congratulate A&P on this major contract. It is great news for the region and demonstrates the resilience of our marine sector. We are currently exploring other opportunities for A&P and MDC member companies to work together.”

The MOD's Head of Capital Ships, Tony Graham, said, "The Aircraft Carrier Alliance has been impressed by the commitment of A&P management to upgrading their facilities and providing confidence in their ability to meet important delivery milestones. We know and trust that A&P management and workforce will deliver their promises.”

Investment has been made in new equipment including a state-of-the art plasma cutter and new panel line at the Hebburn site which will equip A&P Tyne with the facilities to deliver their parts of the aircraft carriers.

A&P Group Managing Director David Skentelbery said: "Our Hebburn workforce has a proud tradition of delivering a first-rate job and I have no doubt they will continue to do so on this hugely prestigious project.

"At A&P Tyne, we are set to deliver a substantial part of these ships and I am delighted we can represent the North East on the project."

 

Next Events...

AVEVA Marine: The next generation of productivity…

  

Thursday 19th November 2009, Marine Design Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Join us to see how you can save time and cost at every stage through:

• Efficient Early Design: AVEVA Marine's powerful, open features for collaborative working save time.
• Efficient Detailed Design: Extensive design automation features maximise productivity and design quality.
• Efficient Production: Accurate and complete production information saves man-hours, minimises waste and rework, and makes maximum use of production facilities

Introducing AVEVA Marine…

AVEVA Marine is a set of integrated applications created specifically for the unique processes of ship and offshore structure engineering and design, design management, and the generation of accurate production information.

With AVEVA Marine, engineers and designers in all disciplines and on multiple sites can work concurrently on a single model database, to create, develop, manage and exploit engineering and design data in the most productive and risk-free way.

The Marine Design Centre is delighted to be hosting a showcase of AVEVA Marine, the most powerful marine design tool ever released!

To see a full agenda for this event please click here. To register for the event please email info@marinedesigncentre.com  or call 0191 2551710. This event is free to attend although registration is required.

 

Royal Navy Presentation Team

Thursday 2nd December 2009, HMS Calliope, Gateshead

MDC is pleased to invite you to a special presentation for MDC and NDI guests at HMS Calliope on the Tyne. The RNPT outlines UK Defence policy and the considerable contribution being made to tri-service and multi-national operations by an efficient, flexible, modern Royal Navy.

See how your Navy operates right across the spectrum of missions from counter-narcotics to anti-terrorism, from defence diplomacy to disaster relief, and from peacekeeping through crisis management all the way up to high intensity conflict if necessary. We also look at the future of the Navy as its plans evolve, providing a vital and cost effective service to the nation.

As well as being informative, the occasion is designed to be entertaining and thought provoking. Lively debate is encouraged on any topical issue during the question and answer period after the presentation, when no question will be left unanswered.

To find out more or to register for the event please email info@marinedesigncentre.com or call 0191 2551710. This event is free to attend although pre-registration is essential.

 

FACE THE PRESS: Seatrade Magazine & Seatrade Asia online

Friday 4th December 2009, Marine Design Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Another great opportunity to promote your company to potential customers has been created with the forthcoming visit of Namrata Nadkarni, Editor of Seatrade Asia Online and Deputy Editor of Seatrade Magazine.

Seatrade is widely recognised throughout the maritime community as a high quality publication, delivering up-to-the minute news, features and analysis of the dynamic shipping industry. Readership includes ship owners, operators, managers, agents, charterers; ship builders & repairers; marine equipment; ports & services; finance & insurance.

Seatrade Asia online is directed to an audience comprising the leading Asian shipowners, shipmanagers & operators, shipbuilders & repairers, providing a medium to connect with the growing number of decision makers in Asia, as well as those from elsewhere that are doing business in Asia on a daily basis.

Namrata will be available for one-to-one appointments. As Editor of the magazine she will be looking to develop news stories, case histories and articles.

Places are limited; if you would like to meet Namrata please register your interest now by contacting info@marinedesigncentre.com

Clipper Windpower & Project Britannia

Thursday 21st January 2010;

Marine Design Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Mr David Still CBE, Managing Director of Clipper Windpower in the UK, will talk about the design & development of the Britannia turbine, current plans for UK wind farms and opportunities which will arise for design, engineering, manufacturing and offshore support.

US-based Clipper Windpower is a world leading wind energy technology, turbine manufacturing, and wind project development company, which has been developing a new 10MW turbine in Blyth since 2007. Clipper was recently awarded a £4.4m UK Government grant to develop a prototype 70-metre blade for the firm’s Britannia project, which will see the largest wind turbines in the world created. The firm plans to build the turbines in the North East, playing a key part in the regeneration of the former shipyards on the Tyne. The Clipper blades will weigh more than 30 tonnes and will form part of the turbines that will stand 175m tall off the British coast.

The UK has one of the biggest wind energy potentials in the world, with nearly 20 sites currently approved and a further 27 proposed, and the North East is well placed to provide essential support in the manufacture, transportation, installation and operation of North Sea wind farms.

To see the agenda for this event please click here. To register, please email info@marinedesigncentre.com  or call 0191 255 1710. Places at this event cost £20 (+VAT) for MDC members and £45 (+VAT) for non-members.

Member News...

Royston keeps a close 'i' on marine performance

New technology designed and developed in the North East by MDC member company Royston is set to help the business reinforce its position as a market leader in marine engineering.

Royston’s new engine-i fuel and engine monitoring system uses a web-based management system and GPS technology to enable owners and operators of large ships to reduce fuel usage and engine maintenance costs.

engine-i also uses sensors to monitor the performance and status of ships’ engines, allowing the company to identify potential problems and correct them before they become a serious issue, as well as helping to reduce the carbon footprint created by each journey made.

 

Lawrence Brown, Managing Director of Royston, said: “engine-i is a real landmark for us, and provides a simple way in which operators of large vessels can address a number of economic and environmental issues. “Providing this depth of real-time information gives the chance to make immediate adjustments to an engine’s operation, as well as the opportunity to plan out and reduce future maintenance time.”

 

Versatile bi-directional tube bender will help Stauff to serve growing UK business

MDC member company, hydraulic component supplier, Stauff UK has taken delivery of a new all-electric tube bending machine from Unison.

Stauff acquired the Unison machine to replace an old hydraulically-actuated bender. Flexibility of use, and savings in both energy consumption and scrap were key factors in securing the order. The machine that Stauff chose is a Breeze 16 tube bender with bi-directional servomotor-driven bending axes, capable of shaping tubes of up to 16mm in diameter.

The bi-directional capability allows work pieces to be transferred automatically between left and right hand bending heads as many times as required, providing the means to fabricate extremely complex shapes in a single automatic operation.

In addition to supporting the company's large-scale engineering project work the machine will support Stauff's growth in processing industries. The company has just launched a new range of high pressure, high integrity, twin-ferrule stainless steel compression couplings.

 

The combination of its tube bending capability and this new product range will place Stauff's Sheffield factory in a strong position to service oil, gas and other processing industry applications.

 

Foundation Degree in Marine & Energy Design Engineering – now it's official

October 30 was landmark day

After all the hard work and effort of all those involved in the planning stage – we are delighted to announce that the UK’s first Foundation Degree in Marine & Energy Design Engineering has been officially accredited by Teesside University.

The day saw a rigorous validation process take place involving the MDC, Teesside University and representatives of other UK universities and industry.

Enrolment to the course has already taken place with MDC member companies putting people forward.

John Lockey, business development manager at MDC, said: “We want to ensure that as many companies as possible consider the full value that this specialist course could provide for their businesses. The vast majority of the training can be undertaken in the workplace.

 

 

“At this stage it is important to thank members, Teesside University and, in particular, One North East, without whose financial support, it would not have been possible to get the Foundation Degree off the ground.”

Picture shows John Lockey with members of the MDC Skills Steering Group

For further details please contact john.lockey@marinedesigncentre.com  or call 0191 255 1710.

 

Defend and Destroy: Navy’s latest ship launched on Clyde...

Thousands turned out on the banks of the Clyde last month to cheer on HMS Defender, the latest ship to make up the Royal Navy’s formidable new Type 45 destroyer class.

Crown Copyright/MOD 2009

Defender was launched amid a cloud of balloons and fireworks by Lady Julie Massey, wife of the Deputy Head of the Navy Second Sea Lord Sir Alan Massey, to the fanfare of the Band of the Royal Marines.

Chief of Materiel Fleet Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews said: “The Type 45 class is a most formidable ship. Her world-class Sea Viper missile system which can defend against multiple attacks by the most sophisticated anti-ship missiles bears out the title ‘destroyer’, while Defender’s name hints to her main future role in providing air defence to the Navy’s new aircraft carriers.

...While HMS Trafalgar sails home for last time

The 27-year-old nuclear-powered submarine HMS Trafalgar sailed into her home, Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth, for the final time last week. She is the first of the Trafalgar Class submarines and the first of the class to be decommissioned from the Royal Navy. The submarine, affiliated to Morecambe, is due to decommission in December.

 

MARS refloats

Our last update drew attention to the re-appearance of the MARS programme in the shape of a new tender notice. The programme will see the purchase of 6 fleet support tankers for the RFA, which could be supplied via newbuild, conversion, charter or lease. The programme is now at Pre-Qualification Questionnaire stage with responses required by 4th December. Shortlisted bidders will work to develop solutions to the MOD's requirements over the next 2 years with a winning bid due to be selected in winter 2011. The initial purchase will be 2 tankers with an option on a further 4.

Congratulations to Commodore David Preston's team for their progress thus far. MDC will be working to create and highlight opportunities for members during this period.

 

Business Opportunities

UK MOD: Repair, Maintenance & Associated Services for Marine & Other Equipment

Underwater engineering support to the range of vessels currently in service across the MOD. The successful contractor will be expected to provide cost effective solutions and fully detailed engineering specifications and safety cases to enable in-water routine maintenance and non-routine repairs to be undertaken. The contractor will also be required to undertake in-water maintenance and repair activities.

Netherlands: Wind Power Installation Works

Design, supply, installation and commissioning of offshore wind farms in the Netherlands Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea, consisting of wind turbines with a capacity between 3 and 4 MW each, associated support structures, and an electrical infrastructure between wind turbines and the onshore grid, including an offshore HV substation, infield and off- and onshore export cables.

For further information, please contact Simon Ellis on 0191 255 1710 or simon.ellis@marinedesigncentre.com

Dates For The Diary...

Some events which may be of particular interest...

Business Continuity Management, Thursday 26th November 09

NDI are hosting a seminar with industry expert James Royds, who has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the Business Continuity industry and is a regular international conference speaker and writer on the subject. For more information, click here or contact Liz Ferguson on 0191 255 1720 or liz.ferguson@ndi.org.uk

Fabrication Opportunities in the Wind Turbine Industry

Tuesday 1st December 2009, TWI Technology Centre, Middlesbrough

Guidance on how to acquire the necessary technical and commercial capability for competitiveness in wind energy related fabrication and local & national initiatives that can provide assistance. For further information click here.

Oil & Gas Networking Lunch with CTC Marine Projects

Wednesday 9th December 2009

Hear from CTC Marine Projects about opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Organised by NOF Energy, for more information click here.

 

MDC Training Courses

We are pleased to announce forthcoming training courses.

PDMS Equipment & Piping Design: 14 - 18 December 2009. In conjunction with AVEVA.

Mathcad Essentials: 9-11 February 2010. In conjunction with PTC.

For full details of these courses 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!

 

Meet the member!

Continuing our regular feature, meeting some of the key personalities in MDC member companies. This month Julie Lightfoot, Managing Director of Solar Solve Marine, answers our questions.

Solar Solve Marine is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of high performance anti glare blinds and marine blinds. Commitment to quality and innovation, coupled with flexibility to respond to customer specifications, ensures SOLASOLV® anti glare blinds fulfil customer requirements.

What is your favourite pub or restaurant? The White Room restaurant at Seaham Hall Hotel

How do you relax? I never relax – I’m hyperactive – I have a twin brother who is the same.

Where is your favourite holiday location? Beverly Hills and Monument Valley

Which country would you never wish to return to? I have been to so many countries with my work, especially the Far East, but none that I would never return to.

Who or what makes you laugh? My old school friends who I still see regularly really make me laugh.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema and when? I think it was a James Bond movie, but I can’t remember when!

What’s your ideal job, other than your current one? I would be an interior designer or a property developer…or even both!

What is your greatest business achievement? It was probably being appointed as a company Director when I was 23 years old, and also winning the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Best Woman in International Trade 10 years later.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received? Don’t make marketing your number one priority, make it your only priority.

And the worst? “Don’t take risks”. Because you have to take risks in business, if you don’t you’ll never be a real success.

How do you keep fit? I go to salsa-fit when I have time –which I must confess isn’t very often!

What’s your most irritating habit? I’m not sure I have one. I’m easy to please – so long as I have things my way!

Who or what has inspired you most in life? I think probably Margaret Thatcher – she was so determined and never took no for an answer.

Which company do you most admire and why? Probably Virgin – because they are successful in a wide range of sectors and have a very recognisable brand, but never lose the common touch.

How would you like people to perceive your business? As the brand leader in the marine industry for anti glare sun blinds for navigation bridge windows with a reputation for quality, reliability and outstanding customer service.