Bury-based Roxtec UK (www.roxtec.com/uk), a leading pipe and cable safety seal manufacturer, has moved to increase its presence in the maritime sector with the appointment of a new marine and offshore manager.

Mark Whelan (pictured) joins the Swedish-owned company having spent 10 years at another international manufacturer, most recently as a project manager for naval and commercial shipbuilding sector contracts. At Roxtec, Mr Whelan will have responsibility for business development in the South of England.

Roxtec’s transits are used to seal cables and pipes aboard a wide variety of ships including naval vessels, cruise liners and ferries, super yachts, offshore support vessels, carriers and cargo ships. They are designed to protect people and assets from multiple hazards including fire, flooding, the risk of explosion and electromagnetic disturbances.

Mr Whelan said: “Roxtec is a world leader in the marine sector and this opportunity represents an exciting challenge. I will be bringing my contacts to the fore and looking to educate the market about the impact Roxtec’s products can have on cost savings, time management and the overall cost of labour.

“The firm’s cable and pipe transits are safe, secure and well suited to the harshest environments. Their flexibility and long life-cycle also ensure they offer value over the lifetime of a ship, and can play a key role in future-proofing vessels.”

Rigorous testing programmes and a broad collection of standards and accreditations with the likes of ABS, DNV GL and Bureau Veritas have helped Roxtec become a pioneer in the marine and offshore markets.

Mr Whelan added: “The UK’s naval sector is growing, with a focused plan for the build programme of the Type 26 frigates and the Type 31 coming through. Additionally, Britain’s new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers will continue their maintenance and enhancement programmes towards 2021.

Naval projects are run under strict budgetary requirements and Roxtec is ideally positioned to provide solutions that offer innovation and opportunities for cost reduction.

“Specialist shipbuilders are looking at continued improvement on GRP products and Roxtec fits into that arena as well. We work with the smallest to the largest of the yards, getting involved in the specification and build stages, as well as the reduction of costs through maintenance. I will be working to increase awareness of Roxtec’s varied solutions and educating businesses as to how we can bring those cost savings to the frontline.”

Roxtec’s seals are also an industry standard in the offshore sector, used in a broad range of oil and gas infrastructure, in some of the biggest projects in the world, including on drill ships, FPSOs, jack-up rigs, offshore support vessels and semi-submersible rigs.

The company entered the marketplace in 1990 and is now active in more than 80 markets around the world. The British subsidiary of the £173 million Swedish group recently reported a record financial year with turnover surpassing £6 million for the first time.