Friday Feature: Working on the roll-out and float-off of HMS Cardiff – An Unforgettable Experience – Malin Group

Malin Abram supports bae systems with the load out and float- off of hms cardiff: a view from the team

We are delighted to have successfully completed the roll-out and float-off of the Type 26, second in class, HMS Cardiff for BAE Systems. The operation represented the efforts of countless staff members, who each contributed to this monumental task – From the tendering team, and the engineers, to the project managers, the welders and many more…

You can read more about the key members involved, their areas of expertise and reflections on the project, below.

james bowie, managing director

James Bowie, Managing Director, has been with Malin Abram for 10 years, first joining as a summer intern with Malin Abrams, before gaining a degree in Naval Architecture and joining full time as a graduate. Having successfully worked through the graduate programme and Naval Architect stream he now holds the Managing Director position in Malin Abram. James has experience in a variety of projects from marine heavy lift transportation to design and manufacture of bespoke jigs and has been involved in major site operations worldwide. He has been involved in the Type 26 project since inception, playing a key role in the bid document, and once the contract was confirmed, the intricate planning and development to ensure the smooth and safe float-off of HMS Glasgow, first in class, followed now by the second in class HMS Cardiff.“My involvement in the load-out and float-off of HMS Glasgow was one of the most memorable and notable projects of my career to date, and I had great pride in watching my team successfully deliver this iconic project. Having attended a float-off operation as a child with my dad, I had always dreamed I may be involved with one, and will never forget the feeling of watching the successful operation, delivered by my fantastic team. This pride has continued to grow, as I have watched each of them, over the past 20 months, build on the lessons from HMS Glasgow, bringing their expertise to bear and cementing the positive relationships internally and with the client, to successfully deliver HMS Cardiff. It is heartening to see activity on the Clyde of this scale, and I hope it works to fire the interest of the next generation, who may one day may see their dreams come true, just as I did.”

James Parkhouse

James Parkhouse is a Chartered Engineer and Naval Architect with over 20 years in the maritime industry. Prior to joining the Malin Group James has worked within ship building, ship repair, maritime regulation and Port Operations sectors within the UK, Europe, and the Far East. This has given James a diverse range of technical, project and contract management experience. James’ primary role within Malin Abram is programme management for our major transport projects and the CD01 Barge programme, which of course covered the load-out and float-off of HMS Glasgow in 2022, and now HMS Cardiff.“When I joined Malin, almost 3 years ago now, I was extremely excited to be leading the CD01 programme, representing as she does, an exciting new capability for the team – and the industry. At 137 metres, she is quite a barge to behold, offering countless possibilities for vessel launches, as well as the offshore renewables and oil and gas sectors. I was extremely proud seeing the CD01 safely return post launch of HMS Glasgow in 2022, having successfully proven her capability. 2 years later, and those feelings of pride have returned, this time seeing the successful launch of HMS Cardiff.”

alan mundie, senior naval architect

Alan Mundie joined Malin Group in 2022 as a Senior Project Engineer with a background in the Offshore Renewables, Ship Management, and Oil and Gas sectors. Prior to joining Malin, he has been involved in a range of projects, including the transport and installation of floating wind turbines, asset management of FPSO’s, and providing warranty services for offshore transports. Positioned within Malin Abram, he has resumed a central role in the roll-out and float-off of HMS Cardiff, having been a core member of the team who oversaw HMS Glasgow in 2022.“When HMS Glasgow launched, I had just become a dad – and now with HMS Cardiff, I am about to welcome baby number two - and it is great to know, that in years to come I will be able to say that I was involved in these iconic projects. Working in this industry, I have a passion for encouraging the next generation to join the industry, make their mark and reimagine a marine sector for tomorrow. I hope visible projects, such as this – and the small part I played – encourage others to get involved.”

david cooper, senior naval architect

David Cooper joined Malin Group in 2018, after graduating from the University of Strathclyde with a Masters Degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. With expertise across stability analysis and load-out and float-off operations, alongside a broad understanding of various marine operations, built through his involvement in the OPV programme. David has been involved in the Type 26 project from inception, initially determining the required barge modifications to ensure the barge would remain stable during the float-off, as well as acting as Barge Master, responsible for the float-off operation of HMS Glasgow in 2022. David resumes this role for the roll-out and float-off of HMS Cardiff.“The float-off of HMS Glasgow was the first time the CD01 had been used for a free floating float-off since her modifications but also my first float-off as Barge Master. I am immensely proud to resume this role, which represents the culmination of 2 years of work from initial concept, detailed engineering, and extensive preparations, to the load-out and float-off. It provided an opportunity to build on our last operation, cementing our skills and delivering another extremely memorable experience.”

Rhuraidh Campbell

Rhuraidh Campbell joined Malin Group in 2022, having graduated from The University of Strathclyde with a BEng (Hons) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He has a particular interest in Computer Aided Design and Analysis, having focused heavily on Computational Fluid Dynamics throughout his final year of his studies. Whilst working on a number of scopes since joining the team, the load-out and float-off of HMS Cardiff represents his first major project, and the opportunity to further develop his skills and learn from the wider team.“Reflecting on my involvement in the roll-out and float-off of HMS Cardiff fills me with immense pride and accomplishment, as it marks my first major project since joining the team. Engaging in this ambitious project, not only allowed me to apply my skills and knowledge but also to collaborate with the wider team, both in the planning and preparation beforehand, as well as the site time across operations; knowing that my contributions played a role in shaping a project of such magnitude was incredibly fulfilling. This experience has solidified my passion for working in this industry, as well as cementing my relationship with my colleagues – it is certainly not one I will forget.”

CONTACT rhuraidh

john cunningham

John Cunningham joined Malin Abram in 2022 having graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Master's in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. As an Appointed Person, John has completed multiple lifting scopes ensuring clients are meeting regulation requirements and best practice. John started with Malin Abram in the run up to the Type 26 ROFO operation and was able to hit the ground running in developing his skills and experience, which he has since drawn upon in the more recent HMS Cardiff load-out and float-off.“Reflecting on my experience while working on the HMS Cardiff operation brings a profound sense of pride, especially considering it is a continuation of my efforts on from the load-out and float-off of HMS Glasgow just two years prior. The transition from HMS Glasgow to HMS Cardiff has not only deepened my understanding of naval engineering, but also first-hand highlighted the dedication and depth of skill across my team. Each vessel launch embodies the culmination of countless hours of rigorous planning, innovation, and collaboration, and I take great satisfaction in knowing that I have played a role in these iconic projects. I can’t wait to harness the skills I have developed to date to successfully deliver future projects with this great team.”

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