When Speedy was first approached by Babcock International to provide a solution to their client’s specialist pumping requirement on board the former HMS Ocean, they immediately turned to their strategic partner and specialist pump supplier Selwood.
The project required Selwood’s industry-leading pumps to provide a robust and round-the-clock solution during a de-commissioning project on a former Royal Navy vessel.
Through its strategic supply partnership with Speedy Hire, Selwood has been working with Babcock International at Devonport Dockyard, in Plymouth, during the de-commissioning programme for HMS Ocean.
The amphibious assault ship, formerly the UK’s helicopter carrier and the fleet flagship the Royal Navy, was constructed in the mid-1990s on the River Clyde and fitted out at Barow-in-Furness. Following almost two decades of service, the Brazilian Navy confirmed the purchase of the ship in December 2017.
Following her decommissioning from Royal Navy service in March 2018, she has undertaken a period of maintenance and arrived in Rio De Janeiro in August 2018.
The challenge
While in dry dock and during a period of maintenance works, Selwood was selected to supply a solution to constantly pump seawater from the basin to the ship’s high pressure sea water ring main, forming part of the ship’s fire system.
The solution
As with all Selwood projects, pump specialists carried out a detailed and bespoke site survey in order to select the most appropriate units for the application.
The Selwood H150 was selected: with outstanding performance capabilities for high head and high volume jetting, the H150 has a proven track record in a number of industrial and civil engineering applications.
It features:
- Total head of 114m and capacity of 450m3
- Capable of handling a solids size of 30mm
- Pump speed of 1800rpm
The result
A duty pump, as well as a standby pump, were supplied throughout the course of the project. Selwood specialists carried out a full, bespoke installation of the equipment, including an automatic pressure reducing valve and approximately 700m of pipework, which mostly consisted of 8” of flanged steel. Remote pump telemetry equipment was also installed, providing the team at Babcock International with valuable information on pump performance and fuel levels.
The pump ran continuously with the pressure reducing valve regulating the pressure to 7.0bar.
The proximity of Selwood’s branch in Saltash gave the client peace of mind that spare parts and accessories, as well as the team’s expertise, were never far away during the course of the application.
Simon Finlay, Pump Solutions Manager at Selwood’s branch in Saltash, Cornwall, said: “This was a fairly high-profile application that required a reliable and robust pumping solution.
"We were pleased to be able to deliver a solution to meet the exact requirements of Babcock International, including full installation and de-installation, and were delighted with the positive feedback. We wish HMS Ocean every success for the future as she enters the next chapter of her journey.”
The recommendation
Stuart Langham, Contract Director for Babcock International at Speedy Hire, commented: “This is a great example of collaborative working and demonstrates our multi service provision capability. Working with Selwood has allowed us to innovate and provide a very cost effective solution to our client’s very bespoke requirements."
Jon Allan, Project Manager for Babcock International added: “This was a very intense and high profile project. We needed to be able to deliver and to do this we needed to ensure we had partners we could rely on to achieve this. From scoping to delivery, Selwood were extremely professional and ensured that the de-commissioning was not delayed by installation of this pump system.
"The end-to-end process was managed effectively and we are appreciative of the expertise and professionalism of Selwood’s partnership, which were crucial in delivering the ship to the customer on time.”