News

As the number of offshore renewables projects continue to increase, so does the requirement for flexible offshore accommodation solutions. In response to the growth, the Ferguson Group has expanded its product offering to provide space for the number of workers needed to undertake these projects. Since opening its first manufacturing facility in 1985, the Ferguson Group manufactures, delivers and installs accommodation and workspace modules to a range of global offshore energy and renewables projects.

The Group has recently expanded and upgraded its offering of workspace and accommodation solutions to meet the niche needs of the renewables sector.

The accommodation service vessel, ASV Pioneer, was introduced to Ferguson Group’s fleet in 2011, and completed its first renewables contract last year. ASV Pioneer is unique in the marketplace as a result of its flexible accommodation configuration.

It is currently configured to cater for 120 people on board in well-appointed en-suite rooms, along with an office, galley, mess, medical and recreational facilities. It is manufactured to DNV 2.7-1/ EN12079 standards and has large open deck space, which offers a multitude of uses to both the offshore oil and gas and renewable energy industries.

In May 2012 ASV Pioneer completed its first renewables contract, a cable-laying project for a wind farm in the North Sea. The project involved the installation of 140 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 500 megawatts - enough to power around 530,000 homes.

Ahead of the project, the vessel underwent upgrades and equipment installation in the River Tees. The plough, which was towed by the vessel and was involved in the lay equipment, was designed specifically for simultaneous lay and burial of submarine cable systems in challenging soil types.

Graham Cowperthwaite, Executive Director – Operations at Ferguson Group said: “This is our first accommodation service vessel and we are delighted to now be able to offer a bespoke solution for the renewables industry, as well as our existing oil and gas market. We look forward to working with clients on their offshore projects in the future, and meeting the growing requirement for offshore renewables accommodation solutions.”

Improvements have also been made to the Group’s range of 6m workspace modules, which provide a safe and comfortable fit for purpose working environment. Updates include a new internal fit out and dual or individual air-conditioning systems with an individual thermostat control.

The Ferguson Group continue to supply high quality A60, DNV 2.7-1 certified accommodation and workspace modules to the offshore and renewables market. The modules offer high standard and comfortable offshore accommodation, supported by a range of workspace modules including offices, laboratories, MWD cabins, mud logging cabins, coffee shops and workshops. Ancillary modules such as recreation rooms, gymnasiums, lockers, laundry rooms and medic suites are also supplied.

To find out more about the Ferguson Group’s range of products email  us today. 

The Ferguson Group, specialists in the rental of DNV 2.7-1/EN12079 certified containers, tanks, baskets, refrigeration containers, accommodation and engineering modules to the offshore energy sector, is pleased to announce a new partnership with - Alpha Logistics Services (EPZ) Ltd (www.alphaafrica.com), extending its reach across East Africa.

Alpha Logistics is a division of the Alpha Group – Marine Division, which provides efficient and cost effective solutions through its operational bases in Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, DRC, Uganda and Mozambique.

The company has particular expertise in logistics (marine and land), supply base services, offshore engineering, rig erections and moves, drilling machine tools shop, plant hire, civil and structural works, fabrication services, subsea works and  innovative space solutions which aligns it well with the extensive product and service offering of Ferguson Group.

As part of the new agreement, Alpha Logistics will offer the complete product range of Ferguson Group and its IceBlue Refrigeration Offshore division.

The Group already has a partnership agreement in place with Dominion Gas in Ghana covering West Africa. Alpha Logistics will provide the full range of Ferguson Group products from is facilities in Mombasa, Kenya to provide support for a growing client requirement in East Africa.

Steven Ferguson, Chairman and CEO, Ferguson Group, said: “Our client centric approach means that we strive to provide a readily available service to customers across the globe. Appointing partners in strategic locations allows us to offer localised support teamed with reduced delivery times”.

“We have experienced steady growth in Africa and the appointment of Alpha Logistics now means that we will be able to service our customers in East Africa quicker and efficiently. Alpha Logistic has an impressive track record and has grown significantly since the company was launched in 2003, and we are excited to embark upon this partnership.

“International expansion has been a key focus for us in recent years and this is set to continue in the long term.”

Michele Esposito, Director, Alpha Logistics Services (EPZ) Ltd, said: “To provide real meaning to the word ‘Service’ in all that we do, to tailor operations to meet our clients target deadlines and budget constraints and to progressively update these services in line with the market for our customers”

The Ferguson Group is committed to its high HSEQ standards throughout its global facilities. In its most recent success Ferguson Group Australia is celebrating the achievement of certification to ISO 14001, AS 4801 and OHSAS 18001 management systems, complementing the existing certification to ISO 9001.

The employment of a dedicated HSEQ Coordinator for Ferguson Group Australia in June 2012 was a key factor in enabling the business to achieve these high standards. Kerol Rezic, HSEQ Coordinator, has been spending time at each of the operational bases in Australia over the last six months, working with local branch managers and their teams to enable the smooth implementation of the HSEQ integrated management system. Most importantly, employees at all levels of the organisation were consulted during the implementation process, and the company commends them for their input and consistent maintenance of system policies and procedures.

Kerol commented: “The recent achievement of certification to the Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental standards will guide the organisation to achieve continual improvement and deliver high HSEQ standards to their customers and employees.”

Ferguson Group HSEQ Manager Graham Boyle added: “We are delighted to have achieved these high standards in Australia as apart of the Ferguson Group strategy to operate the highest standard in all our locations around the world.”

In response to a customer requirement Ferguson Group has developed a new dual purpose DNV/CSC 6m container suitable for travelling on high seas shipping vessels as well as offshore.

The new product, a DNV/CSC 6m dry goods container, includes the following features:

• Designed, manufactured and fully certified to DNV 2.7-1/EN 12079 standards
• CSC approved for international shipping
• Multiple internal tie-down points for safe and secure transportation of cargo
• Cargo restraining nets available if required
• Attachment points built into roofs of all new units to ensure personnel safety when inspecting slings or lifting points
• Anti slip surfaces on both floors and roofs
• Forklift pockets for easy maneuvering

Technical Director Bill England explains “We have an increasing number of clients who, like ourselves, are expanding their operations globally. In many cases the most cost effective shipping method is using deep seas shipping vessels for which CSC certification is required.

It is for this purpose that Ferguson Group is developing its CSC container range. Our hire fleet currently includes CSC rated 6m workspace modules and 3m IceBlue chiller/ freezer containers and this range is set to expand. They are currently available from a number of our bases in Europe and Australasia.”