IPS Completes Two Ferry Deals for Stena Line

Birkenhead based IPS Marine Fabrications is continuing to ramp up growth in the passenger ferry market after completing work on two Stena Line vessels.

The firm, run by maritime engineering specialists Paul Smith and Peter Hillan, has delivered a package of insulation and fabrication work for the Stena Ro-Pax Superfast ferries VII and VIII. All repairs were completed on the move while the vessels continued service between Belfast and Cairnryan in Ireland, ensuring no operational downtime.

Smith said IPS - which is one of the few firms in the UK to deliver both insulation and fabrication services - initially surveyed the ferries before delivering upgrades to areas including pump and engine rooms.

“We carried out a thorough inspection of the oil and fuel soaked pipe insulation throughout the machinery compartments of both vessels before presenting the findings to the vessel operators and securing the upgrade project,” said  Smith. “We then sent a team of four engineers to deliver work on the vessels over a week.

“This involved the design, manufacture and installation of high-temperature marine insulation pads for equipment including thermal oil and main exhaust piping. Our engineers also reinforced the galley areas with marine-grade steel fabrication. In addition we replaced numerous insulation pads across both vessels. All of this work was delivered to MCA Class requirement.

“Our insulation products play a vital role on board vessels helping to protect against hazardous fuel leaks and fire, which can of course prove extremely dangerous at sea. Due to the importance of these products we carry out rigorous testing to Lloyd’s flammable fluid SOLAS requirements. We install them across a large range of equipment including flanges, valves, expansion joints, heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, tanks and other irregular surfaces. In addition to the safety aspect, high calibre insulation work also helps to drive the operational efficiency of a vessel by reducing heat loss and emissions.”

Smith said the latest deals come hot on the heels of another project, involving the installation of 250 insulation pads, on board the Stena Superfast X. He said IPS is securing high levels of repeat work due the proactivity and quality of its service.


“This latest deal helps to build on our positive relationship with Stena Line and further showcases the broad range of services we can offer to the UK ferry market. We are keen to communicate that IPS provides a range of complex fabrication and insulation services under one roof. This includes survey, design, manufacture, installation and maintenance.”