MPE Interiors completes outfitting of rescue vessel the Ocean Tay
Birkenhead-based maritime sector contractor MPE Interiors has completed an outfitting contract for North East shipyard operator UK Docks, aboard the offshore support vessel Ocean Tay (see notes to editors), Polarismedia reports.
MPE carried out the refurbishment works at Wear Dock & Engineering in Sunderland as part of a conversion to the Ocean Tay, a 63-m (207-ft) Class A Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel (ERRV), operated by Atlantic Offshore Rescue Ltd.
MPE director Cliff Grainger said it delivered a broad range of services on the conversion: "We were delighted to assist UK docks on this conversion. The scope of work included outfitting of a new survivor area, modification of crew cabins to include new en-suite facilities for each cabin and new boat deck accommodation with three new en-suite crew cabins. Other work included modification of the existing laundry facility by creating a changing room annex, a new gymnasium and lining out of the new bridge wing extensions. For the above work, MPE supplied and installed the new panel systems, doors and wet spaces and also manufactured new cabin furniture.
He added: “The prime benefits we can offer our customers are expertise and value. We have worked on vessels of all kinds for more than 30 years. That depth of experience means we can work efficiently and effectively with the shipyard. We know what we are doing. We also strongly believe in offering value for money – our workmanship lasts which cuts down maintenance costs.”
MPE is one of the leading and most-experienced marine outfitters in the UK. It has turnover in excess of £2m and more than 30 staff at its manufacturing base in Old Bidston Road.
MPE also undertakes work 'on land', providing its outfitting service to both the residential and commercial property sectors.
Following the successful completion of the conversion the Ocean Tay has been chartered by Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd to work on its Golden Eagle Area Development in the North Sea, creating 30 new jobs. The vessel can accommodate a crew of 20 people and has capacity to rescue more than 300. The works on the Ocean Tay are part of a £300million fleet modernisation programme Atlantic Offshore Rescue has undertaken in the last three years and this is the second of two high-specification ERRVs which the company has commissioned in recent months. Aberdeen based Atlantic Offshore Rescue is part of the Atlantic Offshore Group, which is based in Norway.
MPE Interiors is one of the leading interior outfitters in the North West of England. Founded in 2001 by former Cammell Laird shipyard managers John Whetnall and Cliff Grainger, it has grown rapidly, working extensively in the maritime industry as well as commercial and residential property sectors. The Company offers a complete solution for the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of furniture, soft furnishings and upholstery. Besides, the company is now actively pursuing new opportunities in the ferry and super yacht sectors.