Southampton: SMS completes major aggregates ship refit

A Hampshire-based ship repairer has completed a significant dredger refit for aggregates company Tarmac Marine.

SMS Southampton, part of the SMS Group, has completed the work on ‘City of Chichester’ alongside at berth number 20/21 in Western Docks, Southampton, for the Chichester-based firm.

The extensive programme of works included a feeder hopper refurbishment, discharge grab replacement, a routine number of general repairs to the dredge and discharge equipment and a significant quantum of pipework repairs, renewals and bespoke fabrication/manufacturing.

SMS also completed numerous packages of electrical inspection and systems testing.

The refit was completed in a dedicated, controlled berth alongside at Williams Shipping’s berths in Southampton.

SMS – based at Ocean Quay in Belvidere Road – has built a reputation as a specialist in ship repair, marine engineering and major fabrication projects in the commercial marine, defence and superyachts sectors. It also operates a diving and sub-surface marine engineering business.

Dave Chaffers, general manager of SMS in Southampton, said: “The package of works was extensive with some significant emerging challenges. That said the team at Tarmac, both on and off the ship, supported the refit tremendously.

“Our ‘can do’ attitude, health and safety awareness, and in-house multi-trade expertise genuinely helped to deliver the works on schedule and on budget.”

He added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Tarmac and a great result for SMS to complete the works here at home in Southampton.”

SMS took control of the site, to include permits-to-work and site security, as well as the programme of repair works – at all times adhering to Tarmac’s stringent, professional and proven health and safety policy.

Duncan Payne, ship manager, Tarmac Marine, said: “Working with Dave and the SMS team in Southampton has been a real pleasure.

“Given the challenges of the project we’re very pleased with the outcome and look forward to future works with The SMS Group.

“I’d also like to go on record in support of the facility here at berth 20/21 and compliment Williams Shipping on their approach to this tri-party partnership; collectively we made the refit a success.”