The deal to supply A60 fire dampers was won by Dorset-based maritime equipment specialist Marine Components International (MCI), recently awarded the global rights to distribute the range by London-based manufacturer BSB. MCI won the new contract in partnership with Australian HVAC specialist Marine Airflow International based in Queensland.

MCI managing director Andy Scott said MCI’s knowledge and experience of complex marine equipment regulations helped it win the work for the OSVs which are due to operate in the windfarm sector and are the first in a series of eight to be built.

“We are delighted to have won this new-build contract in Asia,” he said, “Drawing on more than 20-years’ experience of the regulatory environment we have been able to answer many questions for the customer explaining how the A60 range carries all the major international certifications. These include approvals from the US Coast Guard (USCG) Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) and the European Marine Equipment Directive (MED). The regulatory environment is a tricky area and the customer wanted absolute clarity on how and what certifications applied which other suppliers were unable to provide.”

With the key feature of BSB fire dampers being their ability to contain a fire quickly, Andy said another key factor in securing the work was the speed of supply. “BSB is a well-established manufacturer of A60 fire dampers and offers a remarkable turnaround of orders,” he said. “This is typically within 10 days for custom items, in an industry that usually takes between five to eight weeks.”

MCI provides specialist import, warehousing, distribution, sales and technical support for marine equipment manufacturers including Bennett Marine Trim systems, Data Hidrolik windlasses, hydraulic and steering systems, Lasdrop Shaft Seals, Groco quality marine hardware, ROCNA anchors and Dr.Shrink shrink wrapping.