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Hugh Williams News

11 Aug 2017

V.Group Acquires Graig Ship Management

Alasdair Evitt, Group Director, Ship Management East, V.Group shakes hands with Hugh Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Graig Shipping Plc following announcement to employees in Cardiff and Shanghai (Photo: V.Group)

Marine and offshore vessel management and support services provider V.Group said it has acquired Graig Ship Management Ltd, part of Graig Shipping PLC, which has developed a reputation for new build supervision and ship management of dry bulk vessels. This reputation, which has its roots as part of Graig Shipping PLC’s 100 year history and is supported by a global maritime workforce, has grown steadily over the past 25 years. Graig Ship Management will continue to operate independently within the V.Group portfolio.

09 Oct 2012

IMCA: Encouraging Responses to 'Competence' Questionnaire

Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA.

The results of a questionnaire, developed by the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Competence & Training Core Committee, aimed at offshore personnel, revealed that 64% of the 276 offshore personnel from over 35 contractor members who responded used a competence scheme. “We were highly encouraged, not only by answers to the questionnaire, but that so many people took part in it,” says Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA. “It was possible for respondents to select more than one division from marine…

13 Sep 2012

IMCA Appoints New Chief Executive

Chris Charman: Photo credit IMCA

Chris Charman is appointed Chief Executive of IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) taking over from Hugh Williams who is retiring. Chris Charman is greatly looking forward to his new role: "IMCA will bring together so many of my professional skills and capabilities – my working life began in the Royal Navy as an officer where I gained invaluable marine experience," he explains. "I have worked with a number of trade associations and 'not-for-profit' organisations; and the vast majority of my working life has been devoted to risk management.

12 Sep 2012

IMCA Appoints New Chief Executive

Chris Charman, Chief Executive, IMCA.

Chris Charman has been appointed as Chief Executive of IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) taking over from Hugh Williams who is retiring. He will take up the position on 3 December 2012. IMCA is the international trade association for offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies with about 850 members in over 60 countries all around the world. It focuses on offshore construction and marine operations mainly in support of offshore oil & gas, but also marine renewable energy, dredging and telecommunications cable laying.

24 Jul 2012

Graig Takes Delivery of First of Handysize Pair

Cardiff-based Graig Group has taken delivery of the 35,000 dwt handysize bulk carrier Graig Cardiff, the first of two Seahorse 35 class vessels building for Graig and partners at Jiangdong Shipyard, Wu Hu, China. The Graig Cardiff is entered into the Lauritzen Bulkers pool and is currently on her maiden voyage from Shanghai to Argentina. Her sister vessel, the Graig Rotterdam, is due for delivery later this year. Both vessels have been constructed under the supervision of Graig China Limited and will be managed by Graig's ship management divisions in Cardiff and Shanghai.

13 Jul 2012

IMCA Publishes 2011 Safety Statisitics Summary

Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA

Every year the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) produces an annual report of safety statistics (covering fatalities and injuries) supplied by members. “Safety statistics are a useful insight into the performance of a company and industry sector in the areas of health, safety and environment,” explains Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA. We publish the figures to record the safety performance of IMCA contractor members each year and to enable them to benchmark their performance.

10 Jul 2012

IMCA Produces Anti-Piracy Awareness DVD

Piracy is a threat to all sizes of vessels in some parts of the world. The more we know, the more we can minimise the risks and react to dangerous situations – or avoid them altogether. To this end the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has produced an Anti-Piracy & Hostage Situation Awareness DVD (IMCA SEL 028) in five languages on the one DVD (English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese) as guidance for personnel working on board vessels operating in high risk areas.

10 Jul 2012

IMCA’s Marine Construction Contract Revised

IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a variety of guides, templates and discussion documents aimed at raising awareness on contracting issues (including liability and insurance), promoting discussion and providing tools that may be useful for its contractor members, their clients and sub-contractors. All are subject to revision to ensure usefulness to all stakeholders and that it just what has happened to a key document – ‘IMCA Marine Construction Contract’, with revision to others relating to offshore survey and ROV work in the pipeline.

20 Apr 2012

IMCA Publishes Pocket Safety Cards

Hugh Williams, IMCA’s Chief Executive.

‘Safety Coaching’ and ‘Workplace Fatigue’ are the two latest pocket safety cards in the series published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). “These are card numbers 20 and 21 in the popular and effective series,” explains Hugh Williams, IMCA’s Chief Executive. “The safety coaching card includes a list of key aspects of the role of a coach, encouraging people to stop and think and provide objective and honest feedback. As we say on the card ‘you don’t need to have ‘Coach’ in your job title to undertake coaching – particularly when it comes to safety.

16 Apr 2012

CEO of IMCA to Stand Down

Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).

The Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), Hugh Williams, 59, has announced his intention to stand down at the end of 2012 after 10 years in post. IMCA is the international trade association for offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies with about 850 members in over 60 countries all around the world. It focuses on offshore construction and marine operations mainly in support of offshore oil & gas, but also marine renewable energy, dredging and telecommunications cable laying.

09 Jan 2012

IMCA: Audits Improve Business Practices

Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA

Audits are fundamental to safe and efficient projects, whether they are audits (or assessments, appraisals, desk-top verifications, examinations, inspections, reviews, spot checks or surveys) of equipment, procedures, or the behaviour of individuals. Indeed, they are part of any safety management system (SMS). The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published an information note on Audits, with the aim of encouraging discussion about them, and to show how this process can provide an opportunity for ‘business improvement’.

03 Jan 2012

Highly Successful IMCA Annual Seminar

USA hosted the nineteenth International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) annual seminar from 9-10 November, with its theme ‘The future of marine and subsea operations’. This year’s seminar attracted over 340 delegates, and was endorsed by IADC, OGP, MTS dynamic positioning committee, API, ADC International, OCIMF, and OOC. The two days saw a range of presentations, workshops, social events, an exhibition with stands from 19 different companies, and some strong views from speakers and delegates alike.

03 Jan 2012

IMCA to Hold ROV Simulator Workshop

The modern remotely operated vehicle (ROV) simulator is a very sophisticated piece of equipment, extensively used for training personnel both offshore and onshore. Simulators are being used increasingly for other applications including project modelling, tooling interfacing and accident investigation. With these diverse and increasing uses in mind, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is holding a half day workshop with the theme ‘The Diverse role of the ROV Simulator’ during Oceanology International on Wednesday 14 March 2012 at the ExCeL Conference & Exhibition Centre, London. “The workshop’s aim is to present and discuss current and future ROV simulation technology.

03 Jan 2012

Lifeboat Hooks: New Design Requirements/Industry Guidance

IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams

In recent years there have been a number of accidents caused by the failure of on-load release hooks during lifeboat drills, which have resulted in seafarers being seriously injured and even killed. IMO has therefore been developing measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has been following the IMO discussions through the Industry Lifeboat Group (ILG), which is made up of a wide range of shipping industry organisations and is co-ordinated by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)…

24 Oct 2011

IMCA Publishes World-Wide Diving Personnel Statistics

Figures published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) reveal that globally there was a reduction in offshore diving work in 2010, compared with 2009, possibly due to the economic environment. A peak of close to 3,500 diving personnel was employed offshore world-wide by 43 IMCA members (i.e. those who responded to the call for data). This compares with a peak of 4000 from 35 reporting companies last year so the reduction does not stem from fewer reports received.

17 Oct 2011

New Orleans: Right Venue at the Right Time for IMCA

IMCA Chief Executive, Hugh Williams

Delegates from all over the world will be gathering in New Orleans in a matter of weeks for the 19th Annual Seminar of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). With its theme ‘The Future of Marine & Subsea Operations’, the two day event gets off to a flying start on Wednesday 9 November with a powerful keynote address session involving five key players in the industry addressing the seminar theme – to be followed the next day by a BOEMRE keynote address. “We are delighted to be welcoming IMCA President Andy Woolgar of Subsea 7…

04 Oct 2011

Guidance on the Use of Simulators Published by IMCA

A slim 18-page volume published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) marks a significant piece of work in the quest for increasing levels of competence within the marine contracting industry. “Guidance on the Use of Simulators (IMCA C 014 Rev. 1) is a fundamental piece of work, for it emphasises the increased importance placed by the industry on the use of simulators,” explains IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. “Simulation is proving its worth in the quest for the best way for individuals or teams to undertake a task efficiently and safely, and is thus often used for work  lanning/mission planning purposes including engineering development, procedure development, technical assessments, research, and asset risk assessment.

25 Jul 2011

IMCA Logbook: Aid to Offshore Crane Ops

Offshore crane operations can encompass lifts as heavy as 13,000 Tonnes; as challenging as stabbing a flare boom at a great height or lifting containers in a heavy sea; and as vital as lowering a 50m long Z shaped spool piece to the seabed or lifting a personnel basket. Whatever the task, safety and knowledge of a crane’s operational history is of paramount importance, which is why the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published the ‘Crane Logbook for Offshore Vessels’. “This logbook is intended to assist vessel operators and Masters in keeping a useful record of the operational history of cranes on vessels, especially where automatic data recording is not available or is not sufficient…

16 Aug 2010

Bayliss Joins IMCA as Technical Advisor

A new Technical Adviser, Paul Bayliss, has joined the expanding London secretariat of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). He will help to manage the significant work programme of the Association supporting members towards safer and more efficient marine operations. These include offshore construction, dynamically positioned vessels, offshore diving, remotely systems and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and offshore positioning/surveying (hydrographic and condition survey). “We are welcoming Paul at a particularly busy time,” explained IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. “Our membership is increasing dramatically, as is the association’s work programme.

12 Oct 2010

Chambers Added as Diving Technical Adviser for IMCA

An expanding work program has seen the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) appointed Kris Chambers to the secretariat team as a Diving Technical Adviser to work alongside fellow Adviser, Paul Evans and with Technical Director, Jane Bugler. “Kris has been actively involved in the commercial diving industry , working in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, Gulf of Mexico and Mexico itself, West Africa and the Middle East,” explained IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. Kris Chambers’ working life began in 1985 the Royal Australian Air Force as a Maintenance Engineer (Airframe), he then moved to the Australian regular Army (RAEME) where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and was a helicopter flight engineer.

12 Jul 2011

Graig Order Launches Generation of "Super Feeders"

The Cardiff-based Graig Group has ordered a series of up to 26 fuel-efficient new generation MARLIN 2000 Blue design container feeders to be built at the major Jin Hai shipyard complex in China. The first two vessels are scheduled for delivery in August and September 2013 with subsequent vessels to be delivered in pairs every two and half months. Discussions on charters for the vessels are advanced with a number of global liner companies. Hugh Williams, CEO, Graig, says, “This series responds to the industry’s needs.

20 Dec 2009

IMCA Moves to Larger Headquarters

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies, has moved to new and larger offices. Their new address is: IMCA - International Marine Contractors Association, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Their telephone and fax numbers and email address remain unchanged - Tel: +44 (0) 20 7824 5520, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7824 5521; Email [email protected]. "Five years in Lower Belgrave Street have seen an expansion from eight to 17 members of staff, matching the growth in membership, which has enabled a significant expansion in the association's work programme," said IMCA's Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. "Our growth has been exceptional.

12 Apr 2010

IMCA ROV Workshop

Oceanology International 2010, held in London last month, proved to be the ideal place for the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) to hold a dedicated workshop on remotely operated vehicle (ROV) umbilical and handling systems, the first being at IMCA’s Annual Seminar in November 2009 in Rio de Janeiro. “The workshops have proved to be highly rewarding occasions, bringing together IMCA members from around the world including engineering managers; vessel operators; ROV contractors; ROV suppliers – including manufacturers and designers of handling systems and umbilicals; and the insurance world,” said Hugh Williams. Jim Mann of Fugro opened the session at the London event…