The SMS Group, one of the country’s leading ship repairers and marine engineering services providers has completed two pieces of major interior outfit work for Holland America Line in the Caribbean and Canada.
SMS, has an enviable reputation as specialists in ship repair, marine engineering and major fabrication projects in the Commercial Marine, Defence and Superyachts sectors. The business also operates, in‐house, a diving and sub‐surface marine engineering division.
Since 2018 the company has developed a ‘boutique’ interior outfit division focusing on both Cruise and Commercial tonnage. This division, led by industry veteran, Dan Lockyer, is thriving in the Cruise space.
In respect to the recent wins Dan comments: “the experience and expertise within my team is exceptional. Completing these first two, major projects, on time and on budget is a tremendous credit to both my colleagues and our customer alike. We’re extremely grateful”.
He goes on to say: “the Noordam refit, undertaken in the Seaspan yard in Victoria, Canada, was a great success; we had over 20 men onsite, with 2 Project Managers, and completed works in 742 cabins. The Volendam was similar, although a slightly smaller project; the works were undertaken in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. 16 men, a Project Manager, and 196 suites - both projects enjoyed several work streams”.
In conclusion Dan says: “the refits ran like clockwork for two simple seasons, and these reasons are what sets us apart in the market. One, our ethos is one of ‘ownership’ and ‘responsibility’; we’re a small team and our Project Managers own the job from start to finish. And two, we genuinely care. We’re not a big corporate; we’re a small, dedicated and focussed team that directly engage with, and passionately support the customer - we care”.
Ben Rowe, General Manager of SMS in Southampton comments: “the Cruise space is becoming more important to SMS from an engineering perspective too. As a team we specialise not only in outfit but also in the provision of structural, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic support - not only here in Southampton but internationally through the provision of riding squads. As this maritime vertical continues to grow so too will our support infrastructure”.
The interior outfit pipeline of works within The SMS Group now exceeds circa £3m GBP with an even split between Cruise and Commercial tonnage. Dan, and his colleagues, will be attending Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe, from the 4th to 5th of December - Fira Barcelona.
Please contact Dan Lockyer and the ship repair team at The SMS Group: via E: dan.lockyer@sms‐marine.co.uk or T: 0845 013 0481; the business prides itself on the provision of 24/7 national and international support.
