Projects

Marex used its specialised marine and lifting expertise to deliver a comprehensive combined assurance audit for Fugro on the EDT Hercules, making sure they remained fully compliant.

So they approached Marex, as a trusted provider of marine assurance services, to supply the specialist personnel to carry out this combined project.

Marex has the rare in-house capability to deliver both marine and lifting assurance simultaneously, supporting the client in streamlining their compliance issues through a single point of contact rather than juggling multiple contractors.

The core objective was to confirm that both the vessel's marine systems and the crane possessed the exact capacity and capability to carry out operations in strict accordance with current legislation and industry best practices.

Rather than a full management system audit, this was a highly focused review of the vessel, the crane and their associated technical documentation.

Why they chose Marex

Effective risk management is the cornerstone of safe offshore operations. Marex provides comprehensive consultancy and technical support to ensure that activities are compliant, efficient and - above all - safe.

Fugro chose Marex because they don't just provide tick-box compliance, but offer actionable advice rooted in years of site-based experience.

A key factor in this choice was our unique ability to handle both marine assurance and lifting assurance under one roof, a rare dual capability that few companies possess. This was backed by our specialist teams, including marine expert Maurice Pickles and lifting subject matter expert Les Smith.

By partnering with Marex, Fugro gained access to a team dedicated to navigating the complexities of marine regulations alongside LOLER and PUWER standards, providing the clarity required to exceed minimum regulatory requirements.

What went well and what were the challenges

The combined assurance process took place while the EDT Hercules was berthed in Aberdeen’s South Harbour. Les started the desktop crane assurance, gathering information from the vessel and owners, while Maurice performed the on-board marine inspection.

While the vessel's safety management system, procedures and record keeping were generally excellent, the team navigated minor logistical adjustments along the way.

The ROV (remotely-operated vehicle) assurance element required careful scheduling flexibility while the equipment finalisation aligned with the vessel readiness timeline.

Meanwhile, the crane audit involved gathering a substantial volume of technical paperwork, which proceeded smoothly thanks to the proactive vessel master and chief engineer coordinating efficiently with their main office.

As part of the successful delivery, our auditors verified:

• general marine inspection items using the MSF checklist, dropped objects prevention, ladders, permit to work systems, and PUWER standards
• ROV assurance readiness and operational procedures alongside vessel readiness
• Original Equipment Manufacturer certification and documentation, including maintenance records, logbooks and operator manuals
• certificates and declarations of conformity proving equipment met baseline codes and standards under BS EN13852-2 2004 for offshore cranes
• the presence of a comprehensive planned maintenance and certification system
• a complete technical documentation package covering system operating and emergency procedures

What were the results

The combined audit delivered complete regulatory peace of mind for Fugro, with total alignment to marine standards, and full compliance with LOLER and PUWER requirements.

By addressing both marine and lifting elements in a single streamlined project, we provided Fugro with the safety, assurance and compliance required to protect personnel and maintain seamless offshore operations.

Fugro’s project delivery manager Craig Bryson said: “After utilising Marex's services on our chartered vessels for a number of years, it was an easy decision to ask them to undertake the assurance process on the EDT Hercules at the start of the long-term vessel charter.

“As always, the service that Marex provided was exemplary and allowed Fugro to undertake projects in the knowledge that the vessel is a safe environment and is being operated as per the correct processes and procedures.”

>> Find out more about our expertise in marine and lifting assurance.