At Harwich docks, there was a requirement to have the fire main fed by seawater. Given that the dock is next to the sea, this shouldn’t really be difficult, should it?
The water is there, and plenty of it, and to install the necessary equipment in the sea resulted in a few scratched heads.
On land, to install pumps in a pit or wet sump, we simply drain it and install the pumps in the dry. Clearly this is not possible in the North Sea!
Also, you cannot drop the pumps onto the dock floor. They have to be secured and removed safely from above for maintenance.
Cougar’s solution
Using standard pumps, in marine specification, we fabricated a cage and frame to carry the pumps. This was then lowered into position and fixed to the dock wall by a specialist firm of divers. After a couple of attempts, aggravated by tides, the whole structure was firmly attached in place.
Customer benefits
Providing industry standard units that could be repaired and replaced without the need for anybody to enter the sea. We love a challenge!