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2nd July 2026

Supporting Critical Marine Operations Across the Solent

Posted by: Mary-Jane Wieland / under:

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When vessels encounter unexpected maintenance requirements or equipment failures, a rapid response can help minimise disruption and keep operations moving. Recent projects undertaken by Williams Shipping saw the Marine Division supporting both the recovery of a dredger’s lost drag head and an anchor change for a cruise ship during a tightly scheduled port call.

 

Recovering a Lost Dredger Drag Head

Following the loss of a dredger’s drag head in the Nab Anchorage area, Williams Shipping mobilised the Willdiscover, Willsupply and Wilcarry 504, together with specialist dive equipment, to support the recovery operation. After locating the drag head at a depth of 32 metres, the barge was moored in position, allowing commercial divers to rig the recovery equipment. Using the Willdiscover’s 70-tonne deck winch and Heila crane, the 20-tonne, 20-metre-long drag head was successfully recovered to the deck.

Following the recovery, Williams Shipping provided berthing and craneage at its Southampton Marine Base, enabling the ship operator to carry out repairs before the dredger returned to normal dredging operations.

 

Supporting a Cruise Ship Anchor Change

In a separate operation, Williams Shipping was asked to assist with an anchor change for a cruise ship during a limited port call in Southampton. With only a small window available while the vessel was alongside, the replacement anchor was delivered to the Marine Base at Berth 21 before the Willdiscover and Wilcarry 300 were mobilised to support the change-out. The operation made full use of the Willdiscover’s Heila 170-tonne crane, enabling the anchor change to be carried out within the vessel’s limited time alongside.

Supporting the Marine Industry

Although every project presents different technical challenges, both operations relied on the same approach: careful planning, experienced crews and the ability to mobilise the right vessels and equipment at short notice. Whether supporting subsea recovery, heavy lifting or planned vessel maintenance, Williams Shipping works closely with customers to provide practical marine solutions that help minimise downtime and keep operations moving safely and efficiently.

Our experienced team can support a wide range of marine operations. For details about our marine service, get in touch with our team at marine@williams-shipping.co.uk

  • I just wanted to say thank you – it was a very challenging site to work at and make delivery to. Your drivers showed courtesy, patience and professionalism throughout the day

    Philip Kingston,
    Kingston Building Solutions

  • Thank you for your assistance, it was very much appreciated and a special thank you to Bob who did a fantastic job.

    Jenny Wilkinson,
    Interserve Defence Ltd

  • We are very happy with the service provided by your company, especially the driver and we will be using your company for any future work.

    Bob Sarkar,
    National Gritting Service

  • I would like to personally thank you, as a company, and every one of your drivers for their professional approach to the deliveries to our site, all of your drivers have been absolutely fantastic.

    Andy Jenner,
    EP Renewable Energies Limited

  • On Behalf of the Environment Agency and the Residents of Romsey and Winchester, I would like to convey our warmest gratitude for the support you provided during recent flooding. Without you we would not have been able to respond as quickly or effectively as we did.

    James A Humphrys,
    Environment Agency

  • We would like to thank yourself and your team at Williams Shipping for all your help last week, your team were great at getting us around and in position where and when we needed to be in spite of some rotten weather.

    Cliff Stonestreet,
    Fully Fused Fireworks Worldwide Event Management

  • Thank you very much for your assistance and I have to say the two crew members on the vessel could not have been more helpful.

    Steve Beck,
    Burgess Marine

  • May I take this opportunity to thank you for an excellent service, could you also please pass on my thanks to all of your skippers who have helped us over the past few weeks.

    Gwyn Goforth,
    Svitzer UK