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Operational Review
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BMT also delivered major contract wins from the US Navy (systems support), the Canadian Navy (offshore patrol ships), and the Swedish military (management of in-service equipment). |
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| Diversity in defence Also notable was the diversification of our defence-orientated companies into civilian markets, particularly BMT’s work on hydro-electric dams and river traffic on the River Thames. Whilst the announcement that the UK’s future aircraft carrier project would move to the manufacturing stage has since been tempered by a further delay, it remains an important project in which we continue to play a vital role. Our independently produced designs for a new amphibious landing craft tank and a multi-purpose conventional submarine bode well for the future, as does our combining with BVT to bid for the proposed MARS tanker. But perhaps the most exciting prospect for the future is the increasing co-operation and knowledge sharing among our defence companies and the acquisition of enterprise architecture specialists Hi-Q Systems. Continuing growth
One of the most noticeable features of the year was the continued growth in the energy and environment sector, with turnover and profit both rising steeply. This was achieved with a wide range of work; from BMT’s decommissioning and sustainability work for oil majors to the continuing success of the group’s work in helping customers meet EU REACH regulations for chemicals. Staying with oil, BMT was selected by Petrobras America as the subsea riser monitoring systems integrator for the Cascade Chinook Riser Towers and elsewhere, the company’s oil spill expertise was called upon by the Technical expertise
The group’s wind tunnel projects produced another highly profitable year, driven by the company’s world class expertise in this field, and we continued to exploit our experience in both material handling and Innovative products and services BMT’s SMARTPOWER was launched this year, building on a highly regarded range of products for ship owners – most notably, SMARTSTRESS, which monitors hull stress on large ships. Through the acquisition of marine informatics experts, BMT ARGOSS, we hope to accelerate further the development of these products. Elsewhere, BMT’s success in the luxury yacht market continued, with any market downturn likely to be softened by the group’s strength in other markets. Accessing new markets
A pleasing development for BMT this year has been its diversification into new geographical areas. Not only in India, where coal handling and LNG jetty projects have been successfully completed, but also in the highly prestigious port of Hamburg, where BMT won a landmark waterways masterplan project. There were also new Global networks
BMT’s surveying companies demonstrated the value of their global network by increasing profitability and offering muchneeded insight to ship owners dealing with increasing market risks. BMT opened a new office in Le Havre, France and also played a key role in the MSC Napoli salvage operation after it was beached off the Risk management
The group is respected for the independence and rigour of its work and this has led to our increasing profile in risk management. Our work has included a risk review for the Australian Customs Services’ fleet of vessels, Thought leaders
BMT’s expertise and independence has established us as thought leaders in our sectors. This year, we published the definitive guide to transporting perishable cargoes by reefer (refrigerated) ships. Other highlights Looking ahead
With exposure across several markets and a wide variety of projects with private and public sector customers, we will be better protected than most from individual market risk. Overall, our increasing ability to exploit the strength that comes from being an international organisation, and bringing together our technical |