Mainstay Marine Solutions said the 17m long Keel Marine-designed hopper barges will be built consecutively and transported via road to the upper Thames area for use by the Environment Agency. All five steel vessels, each weighing around 22t, are expected to be delivered no later than May next year.
Stewart Graves, managing director of Mainstay, commented: “We are delighted to have won this contract against tough competition. We have invested a great deal to ensure we uphold rigorous, sustainable business practices throughout our day-to-day operations such as our ISO 14001 accreditation; it is reassuring to know that this is appreciated by organisations like Defra.”
Design improvements
With the help of its inhouse design team, Mainstay were able to identify several design improvements for a more efficient production and assembly programme.
Mr Graves added: “Whilst we have strict COVID-19 social distancing measures in place throughout the site, we are confident that the work can be completed to a high standard, timely and foremost…safely.”
After a short yard closure following the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown, Mainstay said it is nearing capacity again.
Having built the main frame for Bombora’s wave energy demonstration device ‘mWave’, Mainstay is now working with the company to develop the Power Take-Off Unit (PTO). Launch-out is expected early next year.
Mainstay said its marine service division continues to grow following its 160t boat hoist investment in 2018.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
