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SAAM Towage Partners with Markey Machine to Retrofit and Enhance Operational Efficiency and Safety of Marine Winches

In the ever-evolving world of maritime operations, the role of deck equipment cannot be overstated. Essential for the smooth and safe operation of vessels, machinery such as winches and capstans play a pivotal role. At Markey Machine, we specialize in the engineering, customization, and servicing of marine winches and deck equipment, ensuring that our clients benefit from the highest quality and durability in the industry.

The Evolution of Marine Winches

Traditionally, ship assist lines were handled manually. However, with the increasing size and horsepower of tugboats, the demand for stronger yet more manageable lines grew. This led to the development of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMPE) synthetic lines, capable of significantly higher breaking strengths compared to their predecessors. For instance, you can now replace a 3” manila line with a breaking strength of 38 tons with a Spectra line of the same diameter but with a breaking strength of 427 tons. Today, handling lines manually on a tug over 3000 horsepower is not only impractical. It also poses safety risks and increased operating costs.

Sentinel Inspections: Repairs You Can Trust

Markey Machine’s commitment to quality extends beyond manufacturing to include top-tier marine surveys and deck equipment repairs through our Sentinel Maritime Safeguard & Inspection program. Understanding that vessel owners and operators use various deck equipment from different manufacturers, Sentinel Inspections offers comprehensive servicing and maintenance for all makes and models. From capstans to cranes, our experienced technicians ensure your equipment remains in optimal condition.

Experienced Marine Winch Inspectors

Our team of skilled marine winch inspectors brings extensive experience in inspecting and repairing deck equipment across various types of marine vessels, including cargo ships, tugs, and fishing boats. Familiar with the latest technologies and industry standards, our inspectors dedicate themselves to identifying issues. Providing recommendations and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your vessel. With detailed reports and estimates, we facilitate budgeting and planning for periodic dry dockings and overhauls. Minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.

Markey Machine’s Winch Retrofit Contract with SAAM Towage

saam towing markey winch etug boat

In a significant milestone, Markey Machine secured a contract with SAAM Towage to retrofit the controls on a Timberland towing winch aboard the Point Valiant, a tug based in Vancouver, B.C. This project began with an on-site Sentinel Survey, our after-market service division. Following the inspection, we proposed our Class I winch-control package, which SAAM subsequently ordered.

Pablo Caceres, Engineering and Development Director at SAAM Towage, acknowledged Markey’s reputation in the sphere of winch control and expressed confidence in our technology. We will deliver the winch controls package in mid-2024. This marks a new chapter in our collaboration with SAAM, the largest operator of tugs in the Americas. Markey’s CEO, Blaine Dempke, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the importance of this partnership in South America.

The Point Valiant, designed by Robert Allan Ltd. Built by Ocean Industries Inc., it is a testament to quality maritime engineering.

Read the full article by Marine Link

Why Choose Markey Machine?

  • Specialization: Our focus on marine winches and deck equipment ensures unparalleled expertise.
  • Customization: We tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of each vessel, offering bespoke engineering and servicing.
  • Quality: Commitment to using the finest materials and advanced technologies to deliver durable and reliable products.
  • Durability: Our products are built to withstand the harshest marine conditions, ensuring long-term performance.
  • Expertise: With a team of experienced professionals, we provide exceptional service and support for all your deck equipment needs.

At Markey Machine, we are driven by a commitment to excellence in marine winches and deck equipment. Whether it’s through our cutting-edge products or our comprehensive Sentinel Inspections. We strive to support marine operations with unparalleled quality and reliability. Our recent partnership with SAAM Towage underscores our dedication to advancing maritime technology and servicing. Choose Markey Machine for expert engineering, customized solutions, and enduring performance in marine winches and deck equipment.

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