Member Article

Haskel's £200k deal with Royal Navy minehunters

Sunderland valve and pump manufacturers Haskel Europe is working on a £200k contract to supply Royal Navy divers with kit to keep them safe while disposing of WWII mines.

Haskel produce the air-driven oxygen booster system that charges the cyclinders in a diver’s breathing equipment, extending the amount of time they can spend underwater.

The Wearside firm has developed a relationship with the MoD that has seen it supply equipment to the Royal Navy for over 20 years.

Haskel Europe’s manager responsible, Simon Calvert, regularly travels around the UK to support the booster systems and train operators and maintainers in how to use it.

He said: “The Royal Navy has a fleet of minehunting vessels that ensure the sea ways are clear of mines and ordnance. This includes both home and foreign waters. They don’t want other ships to come into contact with these dangerous weapons.

“The minehunter class finds all sorts – Second World War mines have been found off Portsmouth, there are also mines in the Persian Gulf.

“There are also different shore-based Royal Navy diving units based around the country. If a mine is found below the waterline, it’s the responsibility of the Navy to deal with it and if it’s washed up and above the waterline, it’s the responsibility of the Army bomb disposal squads.”

Haskel, which employs 62 staff at its Sunderland headquarters, regularly updates the equipment for the rolling contract.

Simon added: “It’s been an evolution of production and it continues to develop. We’re looking to grow our relationship with the MoD to supply them with other equipment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .