Four-week project delivered by Birkenhead firm involved MS Dunkerque Seaways, MS Dover Seaways and MS Delft Seaways operated by DFDS Seaways

Engineers from Birkenhead marine specialist SeaKing Electrical have completed a major upgrade project on three shortsea ferries operated by Danish shipping company DFDS Seaways.

The four-week project took place at Damen Dunkerque Shipyard in France involving MS Dunkerque Seaways, MS Dover Seaways and MS Delft Seaways. The three passenger and car ferries operate in the English Channel running between Dover and Dunkerque.

SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam said a 10-man team of engineering specialists were sent to complete the job, adding: “Work consisted of electrical upgrades to improve entertainment reception to 80 cabins and fitting of VDSs (Variable Speed Drives) to car deck vent fans.

“A total of 16 VDSs were fitted on decks 3, 5 and 10 on each ship. The existing drives had degraded due to age and exposure to warm conditions. These drives play a vital role to help reduce fuel consumption, energy use and CO2 emissions.

“The project was made more complex due to the timescales and working across multiple vessels requiring careful planning and project management. It demonstrates SeaKing’s ability to provide a quick response project turnaround and flexibility to travel anywhere in the world whilst tackling an electrical engineering challenge.”

DFDS fleet manager Nigel Cureton added: “This was a highly demanding project due to the tight timescales. We commend SeaKing’s work ethic, performance and quality of workmanship which were exceptional from start to finish.”

The news comes shortly after SeaKing announced a tender win from Cumbria County Council to repair The Mallard car ferry, operating in England’s Lake District.

SeaKing Electrical caters for the marine, industrial, commercial, military and offshore markets, specialising in electrical and electronics engineering.