Shield Marine Services is dedicated to serving all marine sectors, offering turn-key installation solutions. Managing Director of Shield Marine Derek Lewry, Chairman of Shield Services Group Luke House and Marketing Director David Harmer gave insights into Shield Marine’s ongoing projects and what it has planned for the future. Report written by Imogen Ward.
With strong roots created by its parent company (Shield Services Group), Shield Marine has a concrete reputation for quality, is in tune with
its customers’ requirements and endeavours to deliver excellence on every project.
“Shield Marine has been operating for 35 years, and a company doesn’t get to
that age if it isn’t producing quality and without a dedication to exceeding its customers’ needs,” said Luke House, Chairman of Shield Services Group. “As far as we’re concerned, there are four pillars that make a successful company. Number one is the customer; we always need to give them the best service. The company, suppliers and the vital employees account for the other three pillars.”
Established in 1984, Shield Marine was a result of its parent company’s desire for diversification. “We were completing an installation project on a ship in Falmouth at the time,” Luke said. “They were concerned because they didn’t have a contractor to fit the flooring or furniture, so, we said that Shield would step-in to assist, and the business grew from there.”
Alongside Marine, the group now offers an extensive range of services (Asbestos Removal, Scaffolding, Insulation, Fire & Security and Mechanical, Electrical & Facilities Services) from its various offices across the UK.
As the seven-year consecutive winner of the RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award, the group has a stellar reputation. This is mirrored in all its businesses, and Shield Marine is no exception. Having just renewed its ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 with positive feedback from the ISO, the company remains a strong competitor in the industry. Today, Shield Marine accounts for 16% of the group’s impressive £40 million revenue.
The number one choice
Shield Marine currently provides a diverse range of services, from cabin refurbishment to laying resin flooring, the company can accommodate all customers’ requests.
• Deck Coverings including resin deck solutions, carpets, vinyl and artificial grass
• Outfitting services, including refurbishment and renovation of cabins, tiling and wet units
• Fire, Thermal and Acoustic Insulation systems
• Defence – JOSCAR registered, using MoDapproved materials
Time is not a constraint at Shield Marine; the company will happily take on projects beginning from an initial survey to a full shipbuild programme lasting several years. This flexibility is incredibly popular with Shield’s clients and is possible because of its committed employees and subcontractors.
20 marine projects are currently underway at Shield Marine, one of which is an ongoing installation in Scotland. In partnership with Babcock International, the company has begun the major task of insulating and covering the decks of the Type 31 frigates. The project is expected to take several years to complete and will have a positive socio-economic outcome for Scotland.
To reinvest back into the local economy, wherever possible all Shield Services’ companies employ local professionals to undertake the projects at hand. Hoping to make a lasting impact in Scotland, Shield Marine plans to open a new office, which will further expand the company’s presence across this important region.
“There are currently four people working on the project in Scotland, and we anticipate this figure to grow to 30 once production is
fully underway,” Managing Director of Shield Marine Derek Lewry said. “A new branch in Scotland will really help us flourish in that part of the UK and enable us to provide more long-term jobs to local maritime professionals.”
Shielding local communities
Employing locally is just one way the company is investing in community. After witnessing a reduction of young professionals entering the maritime and construction industries, Shield decided to investigate solutions.
“To try and increase momentum, we have set up assemblies for school children in years ten and eleven,” Luke said. “The first one has already gone ahead and was a huge success. We gave the students insight into our company’s history, an introduction into the industry and showed them the opportunities that are out there. We also plan to take them on site tours to converse with the contract managers, meet with clients and see the
docks too. I think being able to see the professionals in action and have conversations with them will really encourage young people to enter the industry.”
With the support of the Group, and where contracts permit, Shield Marine are also investigating the possibility to get involved with the group’s Second Chance Scheme. Working with reforming category D prisoners, approaching the end of their sentences, the scheme helps rehabilitate offenders.
Luke explained how this opportunity first surfaced: “We’ve worked on a lot of different prisons over the years, where the inmates
are able to go out to work. When an offender is released from prison, they are only given the possessions they had on them at the time of imprisonment and enough money for one night in a hotel. After that they are left to fend for themselves.
“If those individuals have no home, job or family to return to, then they are more likely to reoffend. We wanted to help reduce the likelihood of that happening, so, we offered interviews to inmates and those that passed the interview process were hired.
“The scheme is also helping the offenders give back to society as well: 40% of their pay goes to victims of the crime, or a charity of their choice. The remainder of the money is then saved up, ready for when the inmates are released.”
All hands on deck
Shield Marine is progressing with its plans for growth. The company is currently in talks to become the UK’s approved installer for a major European brand of resin flooring, suitable for all marinebased systems. “We aren’t going to take on the world overnight. Whatever we do will be a result of steady growth,” Derek explained. “We expect our resin installation service to develop gradually over the next few years. We have the experience, the correct supply-chain partner and we have had incredibly encouraging discussions in London, at the recent Cruise Ship Exhibition.”
Whilst expanding, the company remains committed to its sustainability pledges, understanding that protecting
the envi ronment is just as important as ensuring top quality customer service.
“The Group has agreed to a group-wide sustainability plan, but Shield Marine’s Managing Director has also committed to reforestation initiatives, which contribute to key global projects,” Marketing Director David Harmer concluded. “There’s a huge amount of waste coming from the marine industry, especially when things become worn and outdated. Traditionally, there has always been a focus on buying new.
“We hope our plans for a restoration service will help change this mind-set, as we want to help educate that there are other, better solutions. Restoring not only saves money, but it can reduce a company’s carbon footprint and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfill.”
