In 1999, our engineers stepped aboard the RoRo Pride of Cherbourg with a forward-thinking repair solution that would change the future of ferry maintenance.

Fast forward more than 25 years, and that very same approach has become a reliable part of fleet maintenance for ferry operating giants like P&O Ferries and Stena Line, helping keep their vessels sailing with minimal disruption. But how does it work?

Here’s Why Ferry Operators Like P&O Choose SPS

Traditional steel deck repairs are slow, expensive and disruptive. But SPS takes a different approach:

SPS overlays instead of replaces – the existing steel is blasted, perimeter bars are welded in place, and an elastomer core is injected between to create the steel-elastomer-steel sandwich that is our composite’s namesake.
The liquid elastomer, created by BASF, fills the cavity and solidifies in a matter of minutes, creating a permanent, fatigue-resistant and vibration-absorbing composite panel.
SPS repairs can be completed during standard docking windows AND whilst the vessel is in operation!
This process requires up to 90% LESS labour, reduces steel wastage and environmental impact.

With less downtime, more uptime and stronger, safer vessels, it’s no wonder ferry operators are turning to SPS for their repairs. And the results speak for themselves…

The image shows a large P&O ship on the water with a cloudy sky in the background.

Vessel Strengthening with SPS aboard Pride of Kent RoRo

25+ Years of P&O and Stena Line Ferry Maintenance

From modest 1 m² reinstatements to expansive deck renewals over 6,500 m², SPST has delivered:

34 projects for P&O Ferries
11 complex, large-scale repairs across multiple Stena Line vessels
Over 62,130 m² (668,773 ft²) of SPS installed on Ro-Ro and RoPax vessels
Nearly 225,000 m² (2,421,880 ft²) of Sandwich Plate System installed globally on over 500 maritime and offshore structures

M-F_Stena_Transfer Steven Straiton Wikicommons

Stena_Transporter Roel Hemkes Wikicommons

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“SPS is the most efficient repair method for these vessels… carefully planned injections and process control in colder-than-ideal conditions proved how adaptable SPS can be.”
Technical Operations ManagerP&O Ferries

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“SPS greatly reduces production time enabling a far greater area of deck ‘renewal’ during standard docking.”
Technical SuperintendentP&O Irish Sea

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“The original program of repairing 10,000 m² of deck on three ships back to back in 70 days was the most demanding schedule I have overseen… The project would not have been possible with conventional repair techniques.”
Technical SuperintendentStena Line