The largest shipyard-repair complex in the UK, A&P Falmouth, announced that they had a 100% occupancy of all three dry docks over the last six months - with some docks occupied simultaneously by multiple vessels.
A&P Falmouth carried out repairs and maintenance on more than 40 commercial vessels and nine defence vessels between September 2020 and February 2021 which, according to Business Development Director Andrea Sabbion, is ‘testament to the flexibility of A&P’s workforce, collaborative relationships and project planning expertise.’
Vessels included those covered by A&P Falmouth’s commercial partnership agreements with ferry operator, Red Funnel and their (Red Eagle, Red Falcon and Red Osprey) and Condor Ferries (for Commodore Goodwill, Condor Liberation and Condor Rapide). In addition to a number of offshore units, dredger and tug boats from top UK clients.
Significant projects have also been delivered for new clients – including returning offshore supply ship Pacific Constructor to its original condition with a number of precise demobilisation activities, removals and repairs.
As well as delivering a comprehensive programme of major steel repairs for the German containership Samskip Express, owned by Köpping Reederei. This project of the containership was required following a grounding on the Irish coast (last year) and involved a 76 day stay at A&P Falmouth while extensive repairs were made to the shell plating and ballast pipework, which used more than 60 tonnes of steel.
A&P Falmouth has also continued its delivery of its ten year In-Service Support contract with the Ministry of Defence to provide global maintenance support to the Bay Class vessels and ocean survey vessel HMS Scott - with RFA Argus arriving in Falmouth earlier this year to undergo a comprehensive docking period.
Other vessels to dock at A&P Falmouth during this period included ro-ro cargo ship Opaline which is managed technically by AW Shipmanagement and owned by CLdN, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s Ben My Chree (see newbuild story), WightLink Ferries’ St. Faith and St. Clare. Also Aggregate Industries’ hopper dredger AI Avocet, Tarmac’s City of Cardiff and City of Chichester, aircrew training workboat Smit Yare and Svitzer UK’s tug Svitzer Harty.
Andrea Sabbion, Business Development Director at A&P Falmouth said: “The success of the last six months is an exceptional result for Falmouth, particularly in the face of the widespread challenges of the pandemic and the uncertainty created by Brexit.
“The fact that some of our docks have been occupied by more than one vessel at a time really highlights demand and the importance and value of our highly-skilled project planning and scheduling teams. In response, we are actively encouraging clients to discuss their requirements with us at the earliest opportunity.
“Looking ahead we plan to maintain the balance we’ve struck between emergency and scheduled repairs and new and existing clients – as this allows us to expand our reach and mitigate risk. We expect our berths, docks and resources to be in continual use throughout the Summer – particularly as we look to explore opportunities in different segments and different markets such as Norway, Germany and Holland.”
Speaking about the pandemic, Andrea added: “We know the challenges of the pandemic aren’t yet over, but we are confident the strict Covid-19 HSEQ measure we put in place last year will continue to serve us well.”
A&P Falmouth is part of A&P Group - a leading provider of ship repair, conversion and marine services and heavy engineering expertise which operates seven dry docks and extensive fabrication facilities across three strategic locations in the UK.
As one of the leading engineering business in the UK, A&P is involved in a diverse range of fabrication and repair projects across a broad cross section of sectors including Defence, Marine, Oil and Gas, Subsea, Energy, Civil and Nuclear.
High profile projects have included delivering block build fabrication for the Astute Submarine Class, HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers and RRS Sir David Attenborough, as well as fabricating pontoons and sea fastenings for the offshore wind sector.
All A&P Group facilities combine a rich heritage of marine and engineering skills and experience, providing a diverse customer base with all the precision skills needed to complete the most demanding projects.
