Submarine Manufacturing & Products Limited Company Profile

Sr. No.

Item

Description

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Company Name

Submarine Manufacturing & Products Limited

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Website

www.smp-ltd.com

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Established Date

1985

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Headquartered

United Kingdom

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Market Position/ History

SMP Submarine Manufacturing & Products Ltd. (SMP) is a UK-based company founded in 1985, specializing in the design and manufacture of diving and subsea equipment. From its inception, SMP positioned itself as a key player in commercial diving systems, hyperbaric chambers, and other advanced life-support systems used in subsea operations.

Over the decades, SMP expanded its capabilities and global reach, supplying systems to military, commercial, and offshore energy clients worldwide. The company became known for its high standards in safety, engineering, and bespoke solutions tailored to demanding subsea environments.

In the 2000s and beyond, SMP increasingly focused on innovation, integrating new technologies into its systems such as advanced saturation diving systems, containerized decompression chambers, and hyperbaric rescue units. Its facility in Preston, Lancashire became a hub for both design and manufacturing, enabling greater control over product quality and customization.

SMP is recognized as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of subsea life-support systems and equipment, continuing to support industries ranging from offshore oil & gas to naval defense and scientific exploration.

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Sales Area

Worldwide

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Manufacturing Location

United Kingdom

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Competitors

• Unique Systems (UAE)
• Mimir
• DRASS Galleazzi

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CEO

Ben Sharples

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Ownership Type

Private

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Contact Information

Blackpool Road, Preston, Lancashire

GB PR4 3RE

Product

Product Description

Fully Integrated Saturation Diving Systems

SMP recently designed a modular 12-person Saturation Diving System for a working depth of 300 meters, tailored to the client's needs. To cut costs and reduce lead times, refurbished and re-certified components were used where possible.

The system supports 12 divers in four teams, housed in a twin-lock Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC), with Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) to the diving bell. In emergencies, a Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat (SPHL) can evacuate all divers but does not support split-depth operations.

The diving bell holds two working divers and one standby diver, transferring via a deck-penetrating trunk. It is deployed with a hydraulic-powered winch, supported by a clump weight system for emergency recovery. A dedicated Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) powers all hydraulic services.

To minimise vessel modifications, the system is modular, with skid units and clearly marked interface points for easy integration. This design optimises space and ensures a streamlined, efficient system for Dive Support Vessels (DSVs).

Features:

• Capacity: Supports 12 divers in four dive teams for operations up to 300 meters depth.
• Twin-Lock Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC): Houses all divers, with Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) to the diving bell.
• Emergency Evacuation: Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat (SPHL) for safe evacuation of all 12 divers.
• Diving Bell: Accommodates two working divers and one standby diver, with a deck-penetrating transfer system.
• Hydraulic Systems: Powered by a dedicated Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) for winch and umbilical management.
• Modular Design: Pre-packaged skid units for easy installation and space optimization on Dive Support Vessels (DSVs).
• Refurbished Equipment: Cost-effective, re-certified components to reduce lead times and maintain high standards.
• Clump Weight System: Provides emergency recovery and anti-twist functionality during diving operations.
• Simplified Integration: Clearly marked service interface plates and junction boxes for streamlined setup.

In Built Saturation Diving Systems

Converting, upgrading, or repurposing existing vessels to take on new roles is often a more cost-effective and time-efficient solution compared to designing and building a brand-new asset. However, major vessel conversions and refits come with their own unique challenges. These complex projects require thorough evaluation, careful planning, and precise execution to ensure success.

At SMP, we specialise in simplifying this process with our streamlined system design methodology. Our team supports you through every stage of the vessel conversion, ensuring all aspects are managed with expertise and attention to detail. Leveraging our extensive network of industry contacts and partner organizations, we deliver tailored solutions, including state-of-the-art saturation diving systems for converted vessels. By partnering with SMP, you gain access to the resources and expertise necessary to transform your vessel into a high-performance asset, fully equipped for its new role.

Converting an existing vessel is not only more cost-effective than building a new one, but it is particularly beneficial for specialised roles like saturation diving. The costs associated with designing and constructing a new ship can be substantial, while converting an existing vessel allows operators to utilise its existing structure and systems, significantly reducing overall expenses. This approach also removes the need for additional capital investments in new shipyards or facilities.

Beyond cost savings, vessel conversions offer a faster turnaround compared to new builds. Constructing a new vessel can take several years, from initial design to final delivery, while a conversion project can be completed in a much shorter timeframe. This allows operators to meet operational demands quickly, ensuring the vessel is ready for service without lengthy delays. The ability to respond swiftly to industry needs is a significant advantage in competitive markets like offshore diving and marine construction.

Feature:

• At the core of a vessel conversion for saturation diving is the installation of a specialised system, which includes a pressurised living habitat (the dive chamber) where divers reside while working at depth, and a transfer capsule (or diving bell) that transports divers between the chamber and their underwater worksite.
• For saturation diving, the vessel must remain stationary over a specific underwater location for extended periods. To achieve this, Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems are crucial. These systems use thrusters and sensors to maintain the vessel’s position without the need for anchoring, ensuring diver safety and precision in underwater operations. Installing or upgrading DP systems is typically a key part of the conversion process.
• Additionally, saturation diving requires specialised deck handling equipment such as cranes, winches, and umbilical management systems. These are used to deploy the diving bell, manage cables, and handle the heavy equipment needed for underwater tasks. The vessel’s deck layout may need to be reconfigured to accommodate this equipment.
• A vessel converted for saturation diving must also be fitted with advanced life support systems to regulate air pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature within the habitat. Hyperbaric medical facilities are often required onboard to address potential health issues, such as decompression sickness.
• Since saturation diving operations can last for weeks, the vessel must provide suitable accommodations for both divers and crew. This includes sleeping quarters, kitchens, recreational areas, and workspaces, all designed to support the demands of extended offshore missions.

On Deck Saturation Diving Systems

SMP specialises in constructing saturation diving systems tailored for deep-sea operations. One variant is the on-deck modular system, designed for installation on the decks of vessels or barges. These systems facilitate complex underwater tasks such as maintenance, repair, and construction by integrating all components into a cohesive, large-scale modular unit. This design allows for flexible deployment, easy customization, expansion, and relocation to suit various project needs.

On-deck or barge-mounted saturation diving systems provide several advantages over other types. Notably, they can be deployed on different vessels or barges, offering greater mobility and flexibility compared to land-based or platform-fixed systems.

These systems can be more cost-effective than platform or land-based alternatives, as they are specifically designed for saturation diving. Their mobility allows them to be deployed directly to the operational site, eliminating the need for extensive infrastructure construction. This flexibility reduces project downtime, as the system can quickly be relocated to where it is needed.

Features:

• On-deck saturation diving solutions consist of several components that form a complete system, including:
• Saturation Diving System: This includes an A-frame and a diving bell, which transport divers between the working area and on-deck living chambers, along with supporting machinery.
• Living Chambers: We design pressurised decompression chambers for saturation divers to live in during their diving contracts. These chambers can be customised to meet the client’s size and occupancy requirements while maximising limited space.
• Dive/Chamber Control Rooms: These rooms house communication devices, video monitoring systems, air control panels for the chambers and divers, and equipment to monitor diver vitals and activities. Typically built within 10ft or 20ft ISO containers, they are compact and easily transportable.
• Gas Generation, Storage, and Management Systems: SMP collaborates with leading gas handling manufacturers to provide low- and high-pressure compressors that supply various gases, including oxygen, heliox, and nitrox. We also manufacture gas cylinder quads for gas storage, customisable to meet required capacities.
• Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS): SMP designs and manufactures various LARS, including single and twin baskets, as well as wet bells. These systems are designed to fit within a standard 20-foot ISO container for safe storage when not in use, optimising limited deck space.