WHAT WE OFFER
SOUTHSHORE RESOURCES and Business in Africa
We believe the following are areas where we can offer assistance immediately. This obviously does not
exclude discussions on any other areas where you may believe SSR can assist.
We believe in forging strong alliances where each party can do what they are best at doing.
It is our goal to help you expand that base by providing you with practical cost effective
technical solutions that allow you to focus on your core business.
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Primarily we are an engineering company in the maritime sector. At the core of what we do is a strong foundation of naval architecture and all the engineering disciplines.
Africa often has unique requirements that really require a blend of traditional design combined with practical solutions that are not well understood in first world markets. We work very closely with various naval architects to develop products that suit our clients. We want our client’s technical expert to be a part of the design team as we find this delivers the best results.
We are therefore able to deliver complete vessel designs, taking them from a concept stage right through to detailed designs that could be handed over to a shipyard to build.
Our engineering background and expertise also allows us to do design upgrades and add on equipment necessary to make vessel fit for purpose. For example, designing a derrick for offloading goods, a gangway suitable for that vessel, cargo racks, structural changes to old boats etc., etc.
A good example of what is possible would be the re-engineering of the steel long boat so that local business could achieve better build accuracy and greater strength for the same material price. A specially designed transom bracket could allow for optimised propeller position in the water (and prevention of the exhaust going below the water line). Understanding boats and all things nautical, we can also design things such as bimini’s and solar power instrumentation systems that are simple, relatively cheap and could be sent in kit for assembly in country.
SUPPLIER & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Our experience shows that having someone on the ground that is used to managing
construction and manufacturing type business, especially in the maritime sector, is an essential addition to the team. There are day to day decisions around the construction that need to be managed and recorded. SSR can provide experienced project management of local builds to ensure the vessels are constructed in accordance with the design and agreed project plan.
We effectively become your eyes and ears on the project making sure you get what you asked for and paid for. Being independent from the shipyard or manufacturer also means that the information you get will be objective. We are able to react quickly and facilitate discussions when issues arise and provide regular progress reports for company management and or investors. This is very important when build times are in excess of 6 months on bigger vessels.
We are also able to oversee launches, commissioning and sea trials prior to de-commissioning (and disassembly in some instance) prior to shipping overland or via freighter.
FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND BUSINESS PLANS
For any major project where multiple solutions are often possible, we recommend starting with a feasibility study. We have found that this step can materially change the direction from what was initially envisioned to a far more realistic and practical solution. Our global contacts and exposure to various markets means that we are not limited to one solution that we have available. All too often we see the wrong product being applied in a situation simply because the product was available and the relationship existed. While the default position may work, it is not necessarily the best option.
A good example of this is engine selection. Apart from practical matters such as servicing, availability of parts and maintenance, what is often overlooked is the fuel consumption. Over the lifespan of the vessel, by far the biggest operational expense will be fuel. While reliability and serviceability all come into the decision making matrix, a mistake in selection can have a very negative effect on your bottom line.
As part of our business plan, we do as complete a financial model as possible. This results in a much clearer picture for investors and those tasked with making management decisions. We draw up the business plan in conjunction with the client so that it accurately reflects the requirements and answers the key questions either for the management team, banks and finance houses or potential investors.
The document is designed to be a blueprint for the project and serves to align all role players of what the true objectives are and how the company or project intends to achieve these.
VESSEL SOLUTIONS
Having our background in the maritime space, we are used to not only working with naval
architects, but building and supporting our own vessels. With our background, we have a
number of naval architects, shipyards, boat yards and manufacturing facilities around the
world we can turn to for solutions. We can offer everything from a composite pirogue to a
modern aluminium hulled anti-piracy vessel.
SSR can offer these vessels through it’s network of strategic partners and will either manage
the build or procurement process on your behalf or deal with them directly to supply the
required vessel.
Some of the vessels we believe will be of interest to the project in the greater West African
region and specifically the Niger Delta region, are described below. They are either vessels in
our own portfolio or are vessels we have been intimately involved with through other
companies over the years. We know all of these vessels and have either built them, are
currently building them or have plans afoot to build them.
Find out More
GLOBAL PROCUREMENT
The South Shore Resources procurement team is able to assist with the sourcing of all maritime related materials and equipment, whether for new builds, maintenance or retrofitting of new equipment to existing craft. We draw on our extensive network of suppliers and relationships built up over the past twenty years.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
We have partnered with a company of professional engineers who specialise in infrastructure projects in Africa. They have experience in everything from commercial property development to the construction of aircraft runways. They do all our ferry station construction projects including the floating jetty designs. They have a good understanding of working in Africa and like us are committed to developing projects throughout Africa.
They have partnered with us in proposals for large local shipyard facilities as well as modular temporary ferry station solutions. There is great depth to their skill sets and expertise. They work seamlessly with our team to enable us to deliver turnkey solutions for our clients.
ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Our work in Africa has highlighted the need for more innovative energy solutions. We have our
own very practical need to at our ferry terminals to have and independent supply of energy.
In fact we have had to go a step further and not only provide our own electricity but also
include our own drinking water filtration units and sewage treatment plants as well.
Solar energy systems are close to our heart. We have partnered with a local company to
develop a unique system which can be fitted to our small boats to power a refrigerated cool
box to keep the fish fresh and power navigation and fish finding equipment.
Our most interesting product however is a solar unit for homes in Africa. The Sunplug can
power small homes and change the way people are able to live. It is ideal for homes and small
businesses, remote outposts. Like all our products, it was designed for use in Africa. It is safe, robust and cost effective.
Rua 31 de Janeiro, 81 A 3-E 9050-011 Funchal, Madeira Portugal
+351 291 232 369
info@southshoreresources.com