SEAKING ELECTRICAL COMPLETES DFDS FERRY UPGRADES IN FRANCE
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
