Client: Swansea City Council
Project Date: 15th June 2026
Project Location: Swansea Marina, South Wales
Project Overview
Pump Supplies Ltd was approached by Swansea City Council to assist with a unique and challenging marine project involving the relocation of the historic vessel Seamark.
Built in 1959 by Harris, P K & Sons Ltd of Appledore, Seamark served as a pilot cutter for over four decades and is believed to have been the longest-serving vessel of its type in the United Kingdom, operating from 1959 until 2002. Since 2011, the vessel had been berthed alongside the lightship Helwick within Swansea Marina.
Following abandonment in 2020, the vessel’s condition deteriorated significantly. After careful consideration, the owners made the difficult decision to decommission and scrap the vessel. Before this could take place, however, the 220-tonne ship needed to be safely relocated from its berth, presenting a number of logistical and engineering challenges.
The Challenge
Due to the age and deteriorated condition of the vessel, maintaining buoyancy throughout the move was critical.
Pump Supplies was tasked with designing and implementing a temporary pumping solution capable of managing water ingress during the relocation process. The project required the installation of multiple electric submersible pumps throughout key sections of the vessel’s hull, with equipment powered by generators also supplied by Pump Supplies.
Access presented one of the greatest challenges of the project. The team had to transport equipment onto the vessel and navigate extremely confined spaces, narrow passageways, restricted deck areas, and multiple levels within the ship. Every aspect of the installation had to be carefully planned to ensure both safety and operational effectiveness.
The work required experienced confined space-trained personnel to enter various sections of the vessel and install pumping equipment in strategic locations to maintain vessel stability throughout the move.
The Solution
Pump Supplies supplied and installed a comprehensive temporary dewatering system consisting of:
- Multiple electric submersible pumps positioned throughout the vessel.
- Generator-powered electrical supply systems.
- Continuous on-board monitoring throughout the relocation.
- Experienced confined space-trained personnel operating in multiple sections of the vessel.
- Electrical support and safety management throughout the operation.
Working alongside vessel movement specialists JD Marine, the Pump Supplies team ensured all equipment remained fully operational and under constant supervision during the relocation process.
Project Manager Anthony Worts led the operation, coordinating personnel, equipment deployment, safety procedures, and ongoing monitoring throughout the move.
END RESULT
The relocation of Seamark was completed successfully on 15th June 2026, with all pumping systems performing as designed throughout the operation.
The project demonstrated Pump Supplies’ ability to provide specialist temporary pumping solutions in highly challenging environments, combining engineering expertise, confined space operations, electrical support, project management, and around-the-clock monitoring.
While the relocation marked the end of an important chapter in the vessel’s long maritime history, Pump Supplies was proud to play a key role in ensuring the final movement of this historic ship was completed safely and professionally.
