Innovative Fire Water Storage Solution Delivered Under Tight Deadlines Amid Global Challenges
Introduction
In a critical project for a major port in Southeast Asia, Franklin Hodge successfully designed, manufactured, and installed two FM-approved vertical cylindrical site-bolted galvanised steel fire water storage tanks. This project was completed under tight deadlines and amidst the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating innovative problem-solving and effective cross-border collaboration.
Client Background
The client, operating within the logistics and shipping industry, required fire water storage solutions to enhance safety measures at their port facility. Specifically, the project involved the supply of two fire water storage tanks, each with a capacity of 1,118m³ (245,926 imperial gallons/295,344 US gallons), which had to comply with FM standards. Moreover, the end customer requested a specially designed holding-down bracket arrangement to accommodate the site’s unique requirements.
The project faced additional challenges, including a compressed timeline for delivery and installation, as well as travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated on-site supervision.
Franklin Hodge Solution
Design and Customisation
Franklin Hodge’s structural design engineers developed tanks tailored to FM specifications and the client’s specific needs. The bespoke holding-down bracket arrangement was designed to meet the unique requirements of the site while ensuring compliance with safety standards
Manufacturing and Shipping
The fire water storage tanks were fabricated at Franklin Hodge’s facilities and shipped efficiently to align with the compressed project timeline. The components were carefully packaged to ensure safe and timely delivery to the port in Southeast Asia.
Innovative Remote Supervision
Travel restrictions due to COVID-19 prevented the deployment of a UK-based on-site supervisor. To overcome this, Franklin Hodge implemented a remote supervision solution:
- An on-site supervisor in Singapore used an iPad to provide a real-time video link to the UK-based supervisor via Microsoft Teams.
- This approach enabled effective remote guidance during the assembly process, ensuring that all steps adhered to Franklin Hodge’s quality standards.
- The UK supervisor adjusted working hours to accommodate the +8-hour time difference, providing seamless support to the on-site team.
Installation
The tanks, each with dimensions of 11.46m in diameter and 11.144m in height, were assembled on-site under the guidance of remote supervision. This ensured accurate and timely assembly without compromising quality.
Results
- Two Firestore® tanks were delivered and installed within the required timeline, meeting the client’s expectations.
- The bespoke holding-down bracket arrangement successfully accommodated the site’s unique requirements.
- Remote supervision proved to be an effective solution, maintaining efficiency and quality despite the travel restrictions.
- The project’s successful execution demonstrated Franklin Hodge’s adaptability and commitment to overcoming complex logistical challenges.
Challenges Overcome
Franklin Hodge faced several challenges during this project, including:
1. Tight deadlines: The tanks were designed, manufactured, shipped, and installed within a compressed timeline, requiring meticulous planning and coordination across multiple teams.
2. COVID-19 travel restrictions: With on-site supervision rendered impossible, Franklin Hodge’s innovative remote supervision solution ensured that the installation proceeded smoothly without compromising quality.
3. Custom design requirements: The bespoke holding-down bracket arrangement required additional engineering expertise to meet the client’s unique specifications.
Conclusion
