The SMS Group is capitalising on cruise business following a recent move that has made it the only ship repairer based within the Port of Southampton.
SMS moved to Western Avenue, part of the Western Docks and adjacent to the King George V drydock, eight weeks ago. In November, SMS attended over a dozen ships within ABP Southampton.
Nicholas Warren, commercial director of SMS, commented: “Cruise is so important to our business.
“Dan Lockyer and his team lead our fit out and marine refurbishment business. Ben Rowe and Dave Chaffers support the ships’ engineering requirements and from the same site in Southampton our sister company Global Services manages the vessels’ procurement and supplies need.”
He explained: “The provision of ‘Ride On Squads’ across both our engineering business and out fit business has enabled us to capitalise on our unique position in Southampton.
“Short, sharp port calls have allowed us to demob and remob quickly, and efficiently…”
Dan Lockyer, head of interiors at SMS, said the ‘Ride On Squads’ are lower revenue but allow customers to make the most of budgets and onboard capacity.
The SMS Group will be investing in both its fabrication workshop and the new mechanical workshop. Additional fit out and marine refurbishment capacity will be added.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
