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Tools and Spare Parts

MIKO introduces new underwater

drill and ixing system

A
new electric underwater drill and fastening
system that can penetrate and join two metal

plates up to 22mm thick in one action has been
developed by Norwegian irm Miko Marine.

The battery powered Miko Fix drill can be operated by
divers at any depth down to 50metres and is mounted in a

specially designed stand that is clamped to the work piece by

high-power permanent magnets. When in use, the drill is loaded
with a unique Miko bolt, the end of which is shaped and hardened

to function as the drill bit. This cuts through the metal to be joined
and enables its upper end to function as a self-tapping bolt that

continues to penetrate so that it is screwed through the pieces that
become securely joined. Using the Miko Fix system two steel plates

each 10 mm thick can be drilled and joined in approximately one
minute. When the bolt has been driven home the magnetic clamps are

released enabling the process to be repeated at a new location
The new drills and stands weigh 6kg in water and have been praised by Norwegian

dive company Kambo Marina who tested the system during its development.

General Manager Ketil Svelland. said: “It is bound to have an impact upon the professional diving
industry as it will increase the options available to us when we are doing repair work underwater. We are very proud

to have been the irst divers to use a new tool that is likely to be seen everywhere in a few years.”
The new Miko Fix system can be used for a variety of repair and construction tasks underwater although it was developed

speciically for use with the Miko FlexiShape patch. These are manufactured by Miko to provide a temporary water-tight seal that
can be used to close-off damage to a ship’s hull and make it seaworthy for sailing to a dry dock for permanent repair. u

More about being a partner than just a supplier

T
he ship supply market is becoming more about well. Companies that would normally go to different suppliers

becoming a partner more than just providing products are now looking in our direction. Furthermore, the shift in
and services, according to Joost Miserus, Sales and maintenance for existing tonnage also contributes to sales and

Marketing Manager for Netherlands-based Ket Marine.service opportunities.
The company offers spare parts and solutions for oil Mr Miserus said Ket Marine’s service department has also

separators mainly for the after-market, supplying all kinds of developed in a strong way and the team had expanded with
vessels ranging from bulkers and containers to tug boats and new mechanics and new facilities, offering an even higher

offshore vessels.lexibility and availability than before.
“Focusing more and more on planned maintenance, cost “We are always looking to offer our clients the best so

savings and using external expertise, we notice that we are we’re continuously on the hunt to make inal improvements in
becoming a partner more and more than just a just a parts terms of sourcing and quality development,” he said.

supplier,” said Mr Miserus.“Being able to offer the complete scope of genuine quality

In such a cost-conscious climate, he said it was an parts along with a dedicated service team enables us to offer
interesting market, though he believed Ket Marine provided a true and reliable partnership to our clients. Rather than

the perfect solution to balance cost and quality.just selling ‘cheap parts’ we are in it for the long haul and we
“The recession will dig in further during the next 12 to18 provide our clients with everything they need to keep their

months, however we do see that this offers possibilities asseparators up and running on a highly competitive level.” u

32 | The Ship Supplier | Issue 68 2016