THIS month's feature on engineering shows that Shetland's fish catching, processing and farming sectors are all well catered for in engineering terms. From design and fabrication work to reliable repairs, there is a wide range of services available from a number of local companies, all of which seem to have developed their own particular speciality. Want to find out more? Then read on...
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY FROM MMW WELDING
IT IS the principle that fishing gear only makes money when its fishing which lies behind the 24 hour repair service available from MMW Welding Ltd. Over the past 20 years the business has built a reputation for carrying out fast and reliable round-the-clock repairs on Shetland's fishing fleet and visiting vessels.
But fishing vessel repairs is just one aspect of the company's service, which extends to all types of welding and fabrication work. This includes work for salmon farms and workboats as well as equipment fabrication and installation for the fish processing sector. Underlying this service is a commitment to quality which has seen the company achieve the international quality assurance standard, ISO 9002. Further, just last month, the business became among the first in Shetland to achieve the national Investors in People award. The hard work required to achieve these awards has been, "well worthwhile," according to company director, June Mann, "since you have to make sure that every aspect of the business, from health and safety to staff training, is up to scratch."
Manufacture and repair work for fishing vessels, particularly the pelagic fleet, has consistently been a major source of business for MMW Welding. Director, Magnus Mann, defines this service as, "covering everything from the trawl deck aft and the wheelhouse forward." The company's speciality is aluminium and stainless steel work and generally includes pumping systems, winches, guide-on gear, deck equipment, cranes, net drums etc. When the latest additions to Shetland's white fish fleet, Sunbeam and Vandal arrived in Shetland, MMW Welding carried out much of the warranty and "after thought" work. The company is also happy to work together with customers in developing equipment. For example, in conjunction with Robbie Watt, skipper of the Andromeda, MMW manufactured a tailor made net clump and also a "creeper" for retrieving lost equipment.
As well as carrying out welding and fabrication work for the pelagic fleet, MMW holds the exclusive agency in Scotland and Ireland for Seattle based NET Systems Inc - supplier of the latest trawl door technology. NETS trawl doors are widely regarded as the most advanced on the market and are used by virtually the entire Shetland pelagic fleet, as well as many Scotch and Irish vessels.
Net Systems have just launched a new trawl door which has been tested on the Shetland pelagic vessel, Altaire. Capable of operating at depths of up to 350 fathoms, it does away with the need to carry an extra set of heavy duty doors for fishing species such as blue whiting. This is made possible by NETS' foam technology, which has the effect of reducing the six tonne weight of each door to an equivalent of around 600 kilos in the water. This effective reduction in weight can be all important for catching high marks of fish where a headline height of as little as 10 of 15 fathoms is required.
To compliment this technology, MMW welding has developed, in conjunction with Altaire skipper John Peter Duncan, a system of "wing tip trawl floats" and trawl weights, which again means the net can get closer to the surface, whilst also ensuring a bigger vertical and horizontal opening. The system, which has the added advantage of minimising clutter on deck, is used by much of the Scottish and Irish fleets.
MMW also holds the agency for nets from NET Systems and Icelandic company Hampidjan, both of which use the latest Dyneema technology. "Ultra Cross" knotless netting is the latest product from NET Systems. The absence of knots quite simply reduces the weight and drag of the net. This in turn reduces fuel consumption and enables vessels to increase catching capacity through using a larger net. The Dyneema fibre is also extremely strong. The Altaire has been involved with NET Systems in the development of an Ultra Cross pelagic net, with excellent results so far. Buyers of the resulting catch have commented on its improved quality due to the absence of knots in the net.
Net truck
Using its purpose built truck, fitted with a power block capable of lifting weights of up to 12 tonnes, MMW is able to offer a unique service for the transportation and storage of nets and trawl doors. Being the only truck in Shetland with this lifting capacity, it operates 24 hours a day and is available to go anywhere at short notice - it has even transported trawl doors to Ireland and Holland. This then, is just one more example of the round-the-clock service offered by MMW Welding Ltd.
IAN IRVINE ENGINEERING - A LOCAL SERVICE
"JUST about any job on any scale," defines the service available from Whalsay based Ian Irvine engineering. The business, which proprietor Ian Irvine describes as, "Marine and general engineering, welding and fabrication," was set up in 1996 and although based in Whalsay, provides a Shetland wide service.
"I have always done small local jobs for friends in my spare time and decided there was potential to develop this into a business," explained Mr Irvine. "Whalsay has a very active fishing fleet, from the dozens of small shellfish boats right up to one of the largest and most modern pelagic fleets in the UK. Despite this, there was previously no engineering service available on the island. This meant that people either had to get their boats to Lerwick or pay for engineers to travel up to jobs, which can be inconvenient and costly, especially for small boat operators and pleasure boat owners."
His vision appears to have paid off and Mr Irvine has been kept busy since he set up. He has overhauled and refurbished several smaller vessels including salmon workboats, shellfish boats and pleasure boats. His first such job was on the Whalsay shellfish vessel, Inspire where Mr Irvine overhauled the engine and fitted handrails and line hauler.
Size is clearly no obstacle either, and the business regularly carries out maintenance and repair work on Whalsay's larger pelagic vessels. "In general, the business aims to provide every service to the fishing industry on just about any scale. I've never been asked to do a job yet that I've had to refuse," said Mr Irvine. "I can do virtually anything from servicing and engine overhauls to, welding and repairs. I can also supply and fit new engines, pumps, steering gear etc for smaller vessels."
Mackerel jigging
Following on from the success of last summer's inshore mackerel fishery, Mr Irvine expects that jigging and handlining will be popular among the smaller inshore boats again this year and can offer a complete service including the supply and installation of jiggers and strippers, fabrication of tailor-made chutes etc.
Some of the larger jobs completed by Ian Irvine Engineering to date include, the welding work on the extension to Symbister's net mending pier, the steel work on the new Whalsay school and welding and steel work on the new Baltasound pier which is due for completion shortly.
Mr Irvine can also carry out equipment engineering work to specific customer requirements. For example, he recently manufactured a buckie sorter to a design provided by local shellfish fisherman, Willie Simpson, and has since manufactured a couple more for other customers.
The business has already taken on Skillseeker trainee, Steve Tulloch, and Mr Irvine has plans for further expansion, firstly by building a larger workshop close to the Symbister pier - a project which he hopes will be undertaken within the next year. The additional space will enable him to hold a larger stock of spares and equipment and also to carry out an even wider range of jobs. He hopes through time to move into building small workboats and pleasure boats in steel or aluminium.
SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS PROVIDED BY OCEAN KINETICS
INNOVATIVE hatchery recycling systems is just one speciality of Lerwick engineering company Ocean Kinetics Ltd. Since it was set up in 1992, the company has earned a reputation for providing specialist solutions to Shetland's fish farming and fish processing sectors. Add to this its general engineering and sheet metal work and it's clear Ocean Kinetics can offer a comprehensive engineering service.
In May, the company will move from its current workshop at Arlanda Buildings, Gremista to a brand new, purpose-built workshop at Lerwick's Marina Business Park. Work on the new building, which will incorporate offices and a 600 square metre workshop, is already well under way.
Ocean Kinetics' specialism in fish farming work stems from the experience of managing director, John Henderson, who previously spent ten years working in the salmon farming industry. He initially set out to manufacture steel salmon cages but soon saw the potential for a much wider engineering service. Essentially, the company can provide a complete engineering service for all stages of salmon production from egg hatching to harvesting.
The development of hatchery recycling systems has been particularly unique since the technology is relatively new in the salmon industry. The main benefits of recycling systems are that, through increased water temperature, fish can be grown faster and productivity increased significantly. Ocean Kinetics have already installed recycling systems locally, at Shetland Intensive Smolts and Millbrook Hatchery. Indeed, the success of the hatchery work has led Mr Henderson to form a second company, Henderson Aquaculture Ltd. With co-directors in Glasgow and Denmark, the company has been set up to concentrate on the provision of hatchery recycling systems to customers outside Shetland.
Innovation is also the theme in Ocean Kinetics' current work on the development of a machine for stunning farmed fish prior to slaughter. Working on existing technology which uses carbon dioxide as an anaesthetic, the aim is the production of a system which is much more efficient than those already on the market. The project has the backing of Shetland Enterprise's innovation scheme. A prototype has already been manufactured and over the next six months Mr Henderson hopes this will evolve into a full market design which he then intends to patent and manufacture.
In general, on the fish farming side, the company can provide virtually any equipment to exact customer requirements, including fish grading equipment, complete harvesting systems and live fish transportation systems incorporating oxygen monitoring. Although the use of steel fish cages has decreased over recent years as plastic has provided a cheaper alternative, Ocean Kinetics can still provide custom made steel cages which generally have the advantage of being heavier duty and safer to work on.
Mussel farming
The growth in popularity in mussel farming has also provided new opportunities for Ocean Kinetics. The company can provide pontoons, mussel rafts and spreader bars for long lines and is also looking into UV purification systems for mussels. Although the use of purification systems is not compulsory for mussel production in Shetland as it is in some areas, Mr Henderson believes their use may become more widespread as standards increase.
The company also recently developed a prototype mussel rope stripping machine for Demlane Ltd and is now looking at the potential for patenting and producing the design. Tailor made fish processing equipment has been another important part of Ocean Kinetics' business over the years. The company can supply and install everything from grading systems to conveyors and filleting lines. Gutting, filleting and pin-boning lines were provided by Ocean Kinetics for the new Lerwick Fish Traders factory at Gremista.
Despite these areas of specialist work, the company's expertise is by no means restricted to the fish farming and processing sectors. Heating and ventilation work is becoming an increasingly important part of the business including the supply of cladding for the insulation industry. Stainless steel equipment for kitchens, such as cooker hoods, ducting and extractor fans is also available from Ocean Kinetics Ltd.
HNP ENGINEERING - WHERE FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY
ALMOST 30 years experience in the business is what's on offer from HNP Engineers (Lerwick) Ltd. Set up in 1969 by original partners, Hugh Hughson, Davie Nicolson and the late John Pottinger, the company has a long tradition of serving the engineering needs of Shetland's fishing fleet.
There was a change of ownership for the company in 1996 when it was taken over by Billy Hughson and Ian Walterson - Mr Hughson a qualified engineer and both former fishermen. Billy's father, Hugh Hughson, one of the original owners, is still a director in the company and the combination of fishing and engineering experience on the management side appears to serve the business well.
Once again, flexibility is the key in a business which is well equipped to take on virtually any marine or general engineering task. Jobs vary from maintenance and overhaul work on the inter-island ferry fleet and oil related vessels, to shore based work for Hydro Electric - the company has even been known to tackle the odd bakery bread mixer on occasion! However, maintenance and repair work for Shetland's white fish and pelagic fleets has consistently been a major part of the company's business over the years, particularly engine installations, engine overhauls and gearbox overhauls. A job re-engining the local white fish vessel, Ardent, was completed earlier this year and included the installation of two new main engines, a new gearbox, a new auxiliary engine and a new power block.
HNP are agents for many well know names, including Kelvin, Caterpillar, Volvo Penta, B&W Alpha and Perkins. Under the Caterpillar agency, the company supplied the complete engine package (a main engine and two auxiliary engines) for the Malakoff's recent repair job on the Alison Kay.
The rise in popularity of twin-rig fishing in the white fish fleet is presenting new opportunities for HNP Ltd. A project to convert the Lomur for twin-rig fishing is already underway. A third trawl winch is being installed together with a new net drum which has been tailor-made in HNP's machine shop. The next in line for the twin-rig treatment is the Madalia, on which a third winch will be fitted, with associated hydraulics to suit.
Specialist machining service
The company's well equipped machine shop makes it the perfect choice for specialist machining work. It ensures the company has the capability to manufacture almost anything, from custom-made deck machinery to fish processing parts, to suit exact customer requirements. For example, the company recently manufactured a heavy duty hose reel for the pelagic vessel, Zephyr, and also regularly carries out machining work for the Heogan and Shetland Catch factories. Hydraulic work is another of HNP's areas of specialism. The company carries an extensive stock of fittings and parts, and has the capability to manufacture parts and hydraulic hoses to suit. Finally, holding the agency in Shetland for Castrol marine oils ensures HNP Engineers Ltd can offer its customers a truly extensive engineering service.
A BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM L&M ENGINEERING
A DEDICATED repair service is central to the business of local engineering firm, L&M Engineering. Established in 1982 by partners Sonny Mullay and Sandy Laurenson, L&M Engineering will tackle just about any engineering job - both general and electrical - from fishing vessels to fish farms.
The bulk of L&M's work is engineering and repair work for fishing vessels. The firm's Garthspool workshop holds a wide stock of electrical spares, motors, control gear and a selection of hydraulic fittings and hoses. This helps minimise delays for repair jobs since speed is usually of the essence in fishing vessel repairs.
The business also does its fair share of engineering work for fish farms. Previous jobs include the installation of feeding systems and barges and the installation of a vacuum pumping system on Wadbister Salmon's workboat, Simmer Dim. The system, which was converted to suit the vessel, is used for pumping salmon from cage to boat.
So whatever the engineering task why not contact L&M Engineering to find out what they have to offer.
DRY DOCK SERVICE FROM MALAKOFF & MOORE
GETTING ready for her twin-rig conversion is the Madalia, pictured on the Malakoff dry dock after the completion of a job to fit a 12 tonne ballast keel.
Prior to the arrival of the vessel for docking, Malakoff placed three steel billets, each a metre wide, on the keel blocks of its 2,000 tonne floating dock. These were welded together and when the vessel arrived, Malakoff divers were used to precisely position the vessel on the keel billet. The keel was welded by MIG welding, steel web floors were welded to the ship's shell plating and the keel billets. When welded, the void space was plated over and the fore and aft ends faired. The width of the keel was such that some electronic instrumental transducers were repositioned.
Other jobs underway at Malakoff and Moore include the refurbishment of the linkspan at the Laxo ferry berth. This has involved the fabrication of a new steel linkspan unit, shot blasting and painting to the Shetland Islands Council's specifications. Coded welders using MIG welding techniques carried out welding work. More and more work now requires the skills of coded welders and a number of Malakoff employees have gained qualifications in MIG and manual arc welding.