Wednesday 11 May 2016

A&P Group’s Tyne yard welcomed one of the world’s most advanced wind turbine installation vessels into its dry dock on Friday 6th May.

The MPI Discovery is the second vessel owned by Teeside-based MPI Offshore to dock at A&P Group’s Hebburn yard in recent months, cementing A&P’s work in the renewables sector.

Described as one of the most advanced and efficient wind turbine installation vessels in the world, the MPI Discovery is designed to transport, lift and install wind turbines and their foundations. The 20,000 tonne vessel will now undergo specialist repair by A&P Group’s 150-strong team of highly skilled engineers and technicians, before it returns to service.

Works will include inspection and repair of Azimuth thrusters and Tunnel thrusters, installation of two new main SW isolation valves and installation of external scupper pipes together with the overall five year survey.

Ash Sinha, Group Business Development Director at A&P Group said: “The MPI Discovery’s arrival made for quite a spectacle as it came up the Tyne and it’s now towering over the yard. It’s certainly one of the most innovative and imposing vessels we’ve had here and we’re delighted to welcome our second vessel from MPI Offshore.

“The UK’s offshore renewable energy sector is world-leading and A&P Group has the facilities and skilled workforce to really capitalise on that. Our work on this vessel gives us the perfect opportunity to establish A&P Group as a key player in the offshore renewables industry.”

A&P Group operates seven dry docks across three strategic locations in the UK and has a business in Australia that provides ship repair services and support to the Royal Australian Navy. All facilities combine a rich heritage of marine engineering skills and experience, providing ship owners and energy companies with all the precision skills needed to complete the most demanding projects.