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Briggs News

07 Mar 2024

Briggs Marine Adds New Pilot Boat in the UK

(Image: Briggs Marine)

Briggs Marine announced its is adding a new pilot vessel to its fleet in response to demand for pilot services within the U.K.Built by Goodchild Marine and scheduled for delivery in March, the Forth Navigator is a 12m version of the now well-established ORC design, incorporating the high levels of performance and crew comfort, Briggs Marine said.From March 2024, the Forth Navigator will be available for charter for a range of activities, including pilot boat duties and harbor patrol either on a short or long-term basis.

20 Mar 2023

Soo Locks to Open March 25 for 2023 Shipping Season

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, Soo Project Office will open the Poe Lock, 12:01 a.m., March 25, marking the 2023 Great Lakes shipping season start. (Photo: Michelle Briggs / USACE)

The Great Lakes' 2023 shipping season will commence on March 25 with the opening of the Poe Lock at 12:01 a.m., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District announced.The operating season is fixed by federal regulation and driven in part by the feasibility of vessels operating in typical Great Lakes ice conditions.The Poe Lock closed January 16 to undergo critical repairs and maintenance during the 10 week-long winter shutdown. Maintenance crews performed a variety of critical tasks on the Poe Lock…

09 Mar 2023

Freire Shipyard Signs Deal to Build MSV for Briggs Marine

Spain's Freire Shipyard won a contract from the Briggs Marine for the
design and construction of a new Maintenance Support Vessel. Image courtesy Freire Shipyard

Spain's Freire Shipyard won a contract from the Briggs Marine for the design and construction of a new Maintenance Support Vessel to support Briggs’ ongoing contracts for the inspection, servicing and replacement of navigation marks and heavy inshore moorings, operating as required with an attendant onboard diving team. The new building, which is schedule for delivery in 2024, is 40m long with a diesel-electric DP-2 propulsion system. The ship will be designed to have excellent…

27 Jun 2022

Does Australia Need ‘Interim’ Submarines to Tide It Over Until Nuclear Boats Arrive?

(File image: Naval Group)

Last year experts raised their eyebrows when the Morrison government announced Australia would abandon its contract for French-built Attack class submarines, in favor of eight nuclear-powered submarines delivered under the AUKUS partnership.Retired Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Greg Jones was one key individual who questioned whether the choice is appropriate for Australia’s defense needs (at least in the short to medium term).One particularly controversial point is the time it will take for the nuclear submarines to become operational.

20 Jun 2022

Briggs Marine to Provide CTVs for Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm

(Photo: Briggs Marine)

U.K.-based offshore services firm Briggs Marine said it has secured a contract to deliver crew transfer vessel (CTV) services to the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm, currently under construction 15 kilometers off the Fife coast. The project is jointly owned by EDF Renewables UK and ESB.Utilizing its Damen 2610 vessel Forth Engineer, Briggs Marine will transfer technicians to turbines, substations and construction vessels as well as providing a cargo-carrying capability to support construction and operations.Rob Baker…

06 May 2022

Ocean Craft Marine Finds Great Lakes Region Ambassadors for Its Boats

Credit: Ocean Craft Marine

Ocean Craft Marine, the manufacturer of Amphibious Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), has signed a brand ambassador partnership with local Chicago-area boat enthusiasts Ted Widen and Mark Kaplan. Widen and Kaplan will represent Ocean Craft Marine in the Great Lakes region to increase brand awareness and provide sales and marketing of the AMP RHIBs to prospective customers in the Midwest."With a passion for the boating lifestyle, both Ted and Mark are the perfect ambassadors for the Ocean Craft Marine brand and our Amphibious RHIBs…

18 Apr 2022

New Neoteric Hovercraft Powered by Briggs & Stratton

(Image: Briggs & Stratton)

The newest hovercraft from Neoteric Hovercraft Inc. (Neoteric), the Hovertrek II, will be exclusively powered by Briggs & Stratton's Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40.0 Gross HP EFI - Marine engine.Designed for volunteer rescue departments and recreational hovercraft use, the two-passenger Hovertrek II includes side-by-side seating, increased thrust and low weight. The enhanced controllability, storage capacity and low weight of the two-passenger vessel make it an ideal training vehicle for…

29 Sep 2021

Briggs Marine Expands Fleet with Fast Crew Supply Vessel

Credit; Briggs Marine

Briggs Marine has acquired Forth Engineer, a Damen FCS 2610 fast crew supply vessel, bringing its wholly-owned fleet to a total of 40. "This addition to the fleet allows Briggs Marine to extend its remit further into the renewable energies sector and offer another specialised service option for offshore wind farms," Briggs Marine said.The new addition to the fleet is a catamaran design vessel featuring a Twin Axe bow, it is designed to carry up to 12 personnel plus crew, along with equipment and light cargo, at speeds of over 24 knots.

21 Oct 2020

New Ferry Delivered to Sealink In Australia

(Photo: Incat Crowther)

Sealink Travel Group has taken delivery of Coolgaree Cat, a newly built passenger vessel developed specifically for the Palm Island and Magnetic Island runs, operated from Townsville in Queensland, Northern Australia. The new ferry was handed over from Australian builder Aluminium Marine earlier this month ahead of its official entry into service this past weekend.The 32-meter catamaran was developed by marine engineering design firm Incat Crowther in close conjunction with the operator Sealink to offer a number of improvements over those currently in service on the run.

23 Oct 2019

New Offshore Wind Launch Academy in UK

Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK's flagship technology innovation and research center for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, has launched a new industry-backed national technology accelerator program.The program is designed to support innovative SMEs to commercialize new technologies that will enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enabling greater UK content, whilst supporting cost reduction.The Launch Academy initiative will focus on near-to-market solutions and is supported by eight industrial and business support specialists including Red Rock Power, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), Barclays Eagle Labs, investment body Green Angel Syndicate, accountancy firm BDO, IP specialists Murgitroyd, law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn and ScottishPower Renewables.

15 Aug 2019

Briggs Marine Gets SSE Hydro Contract

UK-based marine services company Briggs Marine Contractors (BMC) has been awarded a framework agreement for the underwater inspection and maintenance of SSE Hydro and thermal power generation sites.Under the contract, the company will provide services throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom for three years.The Briggs Marine Dive Team, who are approved for in-water inspection by ABS, Lloyds Register, and DNV-GL, has extensive experience working in remote and challenging locations and will be bringing their collective skills and knowledge to this contract by delivering a sustainable and cost effective solution to the client.Craig English…

31 Jul 2019

QinetiQ Supports Next Gen SAR Missions

British multinational defence technology company Qinetiq collaborates with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to investigate how drone technology can strengthen their Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.Small unmanned air systems are delivering disruptive change across the industry. Ten years ago what was predominantly a niche hobby, or military technology, has now found wide commercial success. Anyone can easily have an eye in the sky and recent publicity is changing the way organisations view their problems.The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) oversees search and rescue operations in the UK. Their volunteer Coastguard Rescue Teams respond to time-critical calls and work tirelessly to save lives.Funded by QinetiQ’s Internal Research and Development…

25 Feb 2019

NEXT GEN 2019: Burning Issues and Cutting Edge Marine Safety

NEXT GEN Presenters (Photo: Shock Mitigation)

3 One Day Workshops - Southampton UK April 2-4, 2019As the digital age rapidly arrives all around us, it (or IT) may have overlooked that safety at sea is still all about people. To meet the changing requirements of modern fleets, smart organizations and specialist equipment manufacturers now need to work together to blend traditional safety methods with innovation.A unique program of three specialist safety days for the sub IMO / sub 80 feet professional sector is being held back-to-back at the Grand Harbor overlooking the port of Southampton UK this April.

12 Sep 2018

Briggs Marine Acquires Canadian Companies

Left to right: Scott Christie, President, Foreshore; Dominic Gerelle, Vice President, Foreshore Technologies; Craig English, Operations Director of Subsea Services at Briggs Marine (Photo: Briggs Marine)

U.K. based marine services company the Briggs Group announced it has acquired a consortium of three marine companies in Canada: Foreshore Technologies, Balanced Environmental and Ocean Tech. The three companies are based in North Vancouver, B.C. and have been trading for 25 years.Foreshore Technologies Inc. is an underwater survey and inspection company that specializes in diving, environmental survey, structural survey and marine operations, utilizing innovative equipment and platforms for a broad range of clients.Balanced Environmental Services Inc.

08 Jun 2017

Briggs Marine Adds New Vessel in Liverpool

Kittiwake (Photo: Briggs Marine)

U.K. marine contractor Briggs Marine said it is set to further increase its fleet with the delivery of a new vessel following trials earlier this month. A total of three ORC 171 Fast Pilot vessels were ordered in 2016 and have been designed by French naval architect Pantocarene for the builder, Goodchild Marine in Great Yarmouth. The 17 meter craft Kittiwake, which is the first of the three vessels to be completed, wrapped up trials early May and is set to join Briggs’ long-term contract in the Port of Liverpool, as part of a fleet renewal. Further orders are in the pipeline.

30 May 2017

Briggs Marine Expanding in Liverpool

Photo: Briggs Marine

U.K. marine contractor Briggs Marine is expanding in the North West of England with new water-side facilities in Port of Liverpool. The 500 sq m building will allow Briggs to offer a greater range of services, and will assist the company in further developing its offering in renewables, sub-marine engineering and port services in this busy region. The company currently has approximately 80 personnel based in the region, with plans to increase this number as a result of the growing presence and anticipated future work.

24 Mar 2017

Kull Named President of Torqeedo Group

Marcia Kull (Photo: Torqeedo)

Marcia Kull has been named President of Torqeedo Group, Inc., and will direct global sales and strategy for the electric and hybrid marine propulsion systems manufacturer. Kull will oversee Torqeedo’s growth activities in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. The newly created position is an expansion of the current management team. She will assume her new role on May 1, 2017. Kull joins Torqeedo from Volvo Penta of the Americas, where she was most recently Vice President, Marine Sales.

12 Jan 2017

Briggs Marine Turnover up 6%

Briggs Marine & Environmental Services has published its new accounts for the year ending March 2016 at Companies House, which show an annual increase in turnover to £66m. The company, which supplies a range of services throughout the marine industry, has increased its turnover by £4 million from the previous year, as a result of increased activity in the repair of  subsea cables in the offshore renewable energy industry. Tighter margins in variable markets saw the Group’s operating profits show a slight decrease from £6m in the previous year to £5.4m for the year ending March 2016, with return on capital employed falling from 25% to 23%.

09 Dec 2016

Volvo Penta’s Bonivich Named 'Darlene Briggs Woman of Year'

Susan Bonivich, OEM/dealer sales manager for Volvo Penta of the Americas, was named the 2016 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo today in Orlando, Fla. She is the second woman in the company to earn the distinction within the past 10 years. Presented by the MRAA Educational Foundation and Boating Industry magazine, the award is named for industry leader Darlene Briggs and is given annually to an outstanding woman who demonstrates leadership, commitment and the advancement of women in the boating business. “Susan Bonivich represents the spirit of what is great about this industry,” said Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Penta of the Americas. “She develops and nurtures relationships that are time and event tested.

28 Jun 2016

Meercat Workboats Scores a Hat-trick

(Photo: Meercat Workboats)

The U.K.’s Meercat Workboats says it scored a hat-trick; the Hampshire-based boat builder announced it is moving premises, that Seawork was a huge success and that it expects to benefit from the recent Brexit vote. MC28 is a 15m x 6m monohull workboat currently in build for Briggs Marine at the company’s Portchester footprint near Portsmouth in Hampshire. To coincide with the end of the build, Meercat Workboats will be moving to Units 3a & 3b Hythe Marine Park, Shore Road, Hythe, near Southampton. The move is anticipated to take place in September 2016.

14 Jun 2016

A Coastguardsman's Return to Eagle

Jim Briggs, One of the Eagle’s first American crewmembers, returns to the vessel after 66 years (Photo: Jasmine Mieszala)

In 1950, International Falls, Minn., native Jim Briggs, shook hands with his fellow crewmembers and stepped off the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle with his seabag packed to the brim and strewn across his back. It would be 66 years until he returned. “They told me I always had a home there, and I could always come back,” Briggs said. The Eagle was built in 1936 by Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and commissioned as Horst Wessel. At the end of World War II, the ship was taken by the U.S. as a war prize and renamed Eagle. In 1946, a U.S.

03 Jun 2016

Meercat Workboat for Briggs Marine

Image: Meercat Workboats

U.K.-based Meercat Workboats has sold a custom built monohull workboat to Briggs Marine. The vessel (Hull no. 28) is 15.5m LOA, and 6m beam. Fabrication is well under way at Meercat’s Portchester facility in Portsmouth, Hampshire, with Briggs Marine to take to delivery later this year. The workboat has been configured to facilitate a deck cargo capacity of 20 metric tons and a liquid cargo capacity of sum 2 x 10,000 liters; with 2 x Doosan main engines and a BETA Marine 21kVA generator.

04 Feb 2016

Briggs Marine Orders Damen Multi Cat 2712

Photo: Damen Shipyards

Briggs Marine and Environmental Services, the Fife, Scotland-based leading supplier of offshore services, has ordered a Damen Multi Cat 2712. One of the largest models in Damen’s extensive Multi Cat range, the 27-metre 2712 is a versatile workboat capable of taking on almost any role in the coastal environment. Designated the Forth Warrior, the new Multi Cat is currently being fitted out at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld in the Netherlands. Special equipment being installed includes…