University facility is ‘ship shape’ thanks to EIC
National building services provider EIC has completed the mechanical and electrical fit out for a new maritime training facility for Southampton Solent University. The project was particularly challenging as the facility is in as well as adjacent to Tinsbury Lake.
The Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) will provide specialist education, training, research and consultancy to students involved in the international shipping and off-shore oil industries. It is part of a major investment to ensure the continued development of Southampton Solent University’s highly specialised maritime training facilities.
Appointed by main contractor, Morgan Sindall, in January 2011, EIC has been on site throughout the delivery of the mechanical and electrical programme. The programme saw EIC design and install a range of services for the new facility from under floor heating, ventilation and controls to lighting.
Andrew Hair, director of Warsash Maritime Academy said: “We decided to move the university’s original world-renowned manned model ship handling centre, which is one of only five in the world, to Timsbury as it is an ideal site for training.
“This new facility will allow officers and pilots to practice complex maritime manoeuvres in complete safety, making it an invaluable tool for the shipping industry.
“The WBA also marks the beginning of an important chapter in the lake’s history which has over the years been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, of water to drive a medieval water mill and a popular spot for carp anglers.”
Darren Parrish, regional director at EIC said: “We are delighted to have been part of this exciting project which has been a real challenge for our team as some of the build was actually in Tinsbury Lake as well as adjacent to it which obviously required a specialist team of skilled and experienced engineers.
“With 40 years’ experience in the sector, we had the knowledge and expertise to make sure that all ecological and historical issues surrounding the lake were met and that this complex project was delivered on time and within budget.”
EIC has extensive experience in the education sector having worked with a range of clients including imperial College London, the City of London Academy in Islington, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Oxford University’s Medical Sciences Teaching Centre. Specialist maritime expertise was provided by the team based at Lymington in Hampshire which last year delivered the installation of both wet and dry areas at Shoreham’s new RNLI lifeboat station.