Gleeds completes work on Southampton maritime academy

Consultant Gleeds has completed its work on the Warsash Maritime Academy scheme. The firm acted as QS, project manager and CDM co-ordinator on the project for client Southampton Solent University.

The Manned Model Ship Handling Centre at Timsbury will provide training to seamen and women who learn to pilot and navigate full size super tankers by practising on 20ft replica models in a brand new custom designed ten acre lake. The Merchant Navy and Commercial shipping lines from all over the world will use the new facility.

Richard Steer, Gleeds chair, said: “It has been fantastic to gain first-hand experience of how Timsbury Lake will operate following its official launch. It is not often that we are given an opportunity to return to completed projects and experience the service they will be offering to clients who come from all over the globe to practise these highly specialist skills.”

To mark the occasion, Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, a Gleeds ambassador, swapped his rowing oars for a model boat, taking to the water to demonstrate his skills in a variety of port scenarios and operations from emergency avoidance manoeuvres to docking and berthing. He also attempted a series of transits along a purpose built canal.

Redgrave said: “I have taken part in water bourne activities for most of my professional life however piloting a model oil tanker in and out of a dry-dock is a new experience. It has given me great insight into the challenging role these sea faring professionals have in managing massive and highly combustible vessels.”