Southampton: SMS Group targets new markets after refit wins

Southampton-based ship repairer the SMS Group has started the year with a focus on core customers and several major refit wins.

While still focusing on its core business, the company is also determined to enter new markets during 2019.

SMS, based at Ocean Quay in Belvidere Road, Southampton, has built a reputation as a specialist in ship repair, marine engineering and major fabrication projects in the commercial marine, defence and superyachts sectors.

Its contracts wins have included overhauls for three engine refits, and the company has also recruited Dan Lockyer as outfit manager.

Ben Rowe, fabrication manager for SMS, said: “Having worked hard last year to enhance our reputation locally we’ve won several major marine civils contracts locally.

“This is due to both our experience and ‘can do’ attitude. 

“I genuinely believe that we’ve attracted some of the best local tradesman and we’re now seeing the benefits of their expertise and our company approach to team work.”

Dave Chaffers, mechanical manager for SMS, added: “The big news is the three major mechanical refits that we’ve won. 

“We have over 30 time-served marine mechanical engineers in the business now, which is pretty unique on the South Coast.”

SMS is currently, simultaneously, undertaking several overhauls on Stork-Wartsila FHD 240 engines, Ruston RK27 engines and Scania D12 generators for clients.

The SMS Group has national mechanical engineering coverage from its seven primary sites in Lowestoft, Dover, Portsmouth, Southampton, Poole, Bristol and Plymouth.

From the sites, the SMS Group will also be offering interior outfits in 2019. 

Dan Lockyer, who joined SMS after Christmas as outfit manager, said: “The last 24 months have seen SMS benefit from unrivalled growth and success in the commercial marine space. 

“We’ve exemplary relationships with very many ferry operators, commercial ship operators, superyacht owners and defence contractors. 

“We’ve interior outfit expertise in-house and my job is to promote that service to all our existing customers.”

He added: “Having worked on some huge cruise and ferry projects over the past few years I’m confident that this is a service our existing customer base needs and that we can price competitively and deliver professionally.”