HMS Protector, PSV Hellespont Dawn, PSV Hellespont Daring undergoing repairs
During 2019 UK Docks has enjoyed a busy year over all in its operations, including venturing into new market sectors.
UK Docks were successful in competitively securing a significant contract that started on the 1st April, from the Ministry of Defence, to provide in service support and annual maintenance for HMS Protector, HMS Echo and HMS Enterprise in order to maintain availability for 334 days per year.
During the past nine months the contract has been controlled from our newly built Head Office facility based in South Shields which was completed during February 2019. The new management team comprising of an Operational Manager, Vessel Managers, IT Manager, a Logistics & Procurement team and technical administrators operate from there.
In addition to the office facility a new warehouse facility was constructed to store a comprehensive volume of spares which are stored and maintained to ensure UK Docks can process demands for defects as they occur in order to maintain availability of the platforms.
Jonathan Wilson, Director at UK Docks, said: “During 2019 we planned, managed and coordinated all maintenance activity from our facilities on Tyneside. In conjunction with our Teesside facility we delivered maintenance packages as well as relying on our approved supply chain for work overseas. We are proud to bring this scale of work to the local area and are positive that during the 10-year contract we can continue our growth”
Jonathan added: “The Ministry of Defence naturally requires the highest possible levels of expertise and commitment when it comes to servicing its vessels. Throughout 2019, we have assembled a management team and a strategy to deliver on their expectations, which we are proud to say have been successful throughout the year. We are very pleased with everyone’s efforts and commitment this year and are ready to take the next steps throughout 2020 to continue to grow and progress.”
UK Docks ship repair facility in Middlesbrough has continued to develop throughout the year by extending the main office facility, stores facility, plumbing workshop and steel workshop facilities. During January 2020, two 30 tonne cranes will be delivered and installed between the two dry docks to improve the yards operational ability. In addition, the yard expanded their alongside wet berth repair facilities with the addition of the Heavy Lift Quay which runs adjacent to the dry docks entrance and measures 150 metres ong and benefits from deep water access.
UK Docks slipways and lift out facilities based in Tyneside, Gosport and Cremyl which specialise in providing support to commercial vessel operators such as BAE Systems, Babcock, Serco. The Ministry of Defence have been in continuous operation and occupancy throughout the year. During 2020, UK Docks will see further expansion in the opening of Royal Clarence Yard based in Gosport. Spanning 5.7 acres with direct deep-water access to Portsmouth Harbour, the site offers huge opportunities for future development within the marine sector.