We are a team of trusted experts in coating technology, enabling industries with enhanced performance and sustainability.

About Safinah

Safinah was established in the United Kingdom in 1998 as a consulting company for the marine, yacht, energy, infrastructure and chemical sectors specialising in coatings technology, support and advice. Since then, Safinah became a globally recognised, privately-owned coatings and engineering firm expanding our range of specialised services.

A growing number of clients are putting their full coating management under Safinah, with 200+ assets being managed under the Asset Coating Management Programme where Safinah conducts a full suite of services from specification, selection, maintenance planning, application control, annual performance and external benchmarking assessment followed by coating strategy development and continual improvement.

Today, we support a large part of the world’s blue chip operators offering a comprehensive range of expert coating services that reflect a commitment to excellence across diverse industries. And with our team of experts strategically located around the globe, we work closely with our clients’ team wherever they are.

Our team is strategically deployed globally, with offices in key locations.

Safinah is an ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certified company. We are also JOSCAR registered and granted the F4OR (Fit for Offshore Renewables) status as part of the ORE Catapult Scheme.

Safinah has a proven record of excellent service, helping many businesses optimise their operations all over the world.

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Our Vision

Our vision is to be the foremost choice globally for clients seeking independent coating expertise and strategic partnerships.

Our Mission

It is our mission to provide the best independent expert coating advice, and thought leadership in the Marine, Oil & Gas, Energy, Infrastructure and Yacht sectors globally.

Through collective knowledge and dedication, we aim to reduce client spend and environmental impact.

The Safinah Advantage

Delivering beneficial outcomes while assuring excellence.

Reduced Risks

Through our experienced managers, early assessment of paint specification, painting schedule and process acceptance criteria ensures durability, compliance, and cost-efficiency, while reducing the risk of an unacceptable end result or paint failures.

Reduced Cost

We help reduce cost by optimising coating selection, extending asset lifespan, minimising maintenance needs, preventing failures and ensuring efficient application processes, delivering long-term savings for industries.

Improved Performance

We help you optimise your operational performance by enhancing coating systems, ensuring optimal application, reducing downtime, and maximising asset efficiency, helping industries achieve durability, reliability and sustainability.

Complete Peace of Mind

We aim to ensure complete peace of mind for our clients as we apply our experience in coatings and engineering to identify the many possible bottlenecks in coating applications, and apply a feedback cycle for continuous improvement to the whole process – allowing you to focus on other important aspect of your operation.

Why choose Safinah

Leading the coatings technology consultancy market with unparalleled achievements for over 25 years.

We are a market leader in coating technology consultancy for various sectors with proven record of successful projects, satisfied clients and unparalleled achievements for over 25 years.

If you would like to find out more about our services and how we can help you, please get in touch with our team.

Meet the Safinah Team

Safinah’s team comprises seasoned experts, each with many years of experience in their respective fields. Our specialist consultants take pride in offering a comprehensive service that consistently delivers tangible, real-world results.

Fuelled by a professional approach and a meticulous understanding of the coatings industry, we have earned a prestigious global reputation. Renowned for our capacity to create and implement innovative and effective solutions, we stand as a trusted partner dedicated to minimising your risk and optimising cost efficiencies.

Andy Hopkinson

Managing Director

Dr. Michael Aamodt

Director of Technology | Head of Chemical, Energy & Infrastructure

Martin Porsbjerg

Head of Technical Services 

 

Carl Barnes

Head of Marine | Consultant

 

Tommy Paulsen

Director | Key Account & Technical Service Manager

Dr. Benigna von Brederlow

Head of Yacht

Dr. Neil Nicolson

Head of Yacht Consultancy

Dr. Ralitsa Mihaylova

Head of Special Projects | Consultant

 

Bruno Ravel

Head of Chemical & Disruptive Technologies | Consultant

 

Jessica Patterson

CFO

Charles Atkinson

Consultant 

John Benitez

Coating Project Manager | Health and Safety Lead

Sophie Carvalho de Matos

HR & ISO Manager

Simon Daly

Consultant
(Energy & Infrastructure)

Stuart Downie

Consultant

Alan Guy

Principal Research Consultant

Mike Hindmarsh

Marine Consultant

Keith W Hutchinson

Head of PT & ES | Consultant

Sandy Kirkwood

Business Development Director | Consultant

Dominika Werdecka-Latarska

Yacht Consultant

Fergus MacKinnon

Consultant (Energy & Infrastructure)

Deborah Mayo

Office Manager

Fadzli Omar

Business Development Manager

Ted Rabida

Marketing Manager

Jakov "Bobo" Radenovic

Consultant (Americas)

Lee Spoor

Consultant (Energy & Infrastructure)

Alan Walker

Business Development Director | Consultant 

Michael Ward

Head of Financial Systems & Analysis

 

Mark Welch

Coatings Consultant

John Willsher

Business Development Manager

Russel Wright

Technical Services Assistant Manager (excl. Asia)

Mick Bonham

Associate

Dr. Iain Braidwood

Associate

Dr. Stephen Brooke

Associate

Ian Buckham

Associate

David C Dobson

Associate – Professional Technical & Engineering Services

Paul Fisher

Associate

Doug Gilbert

Associate

Roel van Veen

Associate

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Andy Hopkinson

Managing Director

Andy joined the coating industry in 1993 in the technical support and new product development laboratories of a leading marine coating supplier. He spent 9 years working with all coating types whilst studying part time to achieve a 1st class honours degree.

The subsequent 3 years were spent as an independent coating consultant covering projects from software development, coating strategy development to failure investigations with marine, offshore, yacht and land-based facilities.

He has had extensive experience in the marine and protective coatings industry in business development, technical services and sales management. Prior to joining Safinah, Andy was Global Business Development Manager for Tank Linings, North Europe Technical Services Manager followed by Marine Sales Manager; UK, Benelux and Nordics for one of the world’s largest coating companies.

Expertise

Chemical Resistance Coatings

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Dr Michael Aamodt

Director of Technology | Head of Chemical, Energy & Infrastructure | Consultant

Michael joined the Marine and Protective coatings industry as an R&D paint chemist to develop anti-corrosive coatings. Since then he has gained 35 years of experience in marine, protective and industrial coatings within R&D, global product management, marketing, business development, consultancy and management in three major international coating companies.

He has specialist knowledge of marine epoxy coatings for hull, cargo hold, cargo tanks, surface technology/protection and corrosion. Prior to joining Safinah, Michael was Business Development Manager for a world leading institute doing applied research in corrosion and corrosion protection.

Expertise

Protective Marine Coatings & Corrosion

Languages spoken

Norwegian, English, French, German, Swedish, Danish, Persian (Farsi)

Qualifications

BSc Reservoir Physics, PhD Physical Chemistry

Martin Porsbjerg

Head of Technical Services

Martin joined the marine coatings industry as a Chem. Eng/Env. Chemist working in regulatory affairs and product approval for marine anti-fouling products. Since then he has had extensive experience in the marine and protective coatings industry, managing anti-fouling product development, product management of marine epoxies and shop primers as well as heading the global marine technical support department for a leading coating manufacturer.

He has specialist knowledge of marine antifoulings, epoxies and tank linings, standards and procedures for surface preparation and coating application in the fields of dry dock/maintenance and new building.

Expertise

Marine Coatings

Languages spoken

Danish, English

Qualifications

BSc Chemical Engineering, MSc Environment Chemistry

Carl Barnes

Head of Marine | Consultant

Carl Barnes joined the coating industry as a graduate chemist working in technical support and new product development. Since then he has had extensive experience in the marine coatings industry, in technical, commercial and marketing roles. He has a specialist knowledge of marine fouling control and regulatory aspects.

Prior to joining Safinah Carl was Global Marketing Manager in Marine Fouling Control for one of the world’s largest coatings companies.

Expertise

Marine Coatings and Fouling Control

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc (Hons)

Tommy Paulsen

Director

Tommy has worked in the coating industry for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge from his experience as a Senior Coating Advisor and Technical Manager / Key Account Management. Prior to joining Safinah Group, Tommy worked with Coating Contractors, Paint Manufacturer and Consultancy business having broad experience in Project Management and Technical Consultancy across segments like Energy, Marine, Offshore and Infrastructure.

Expertise

Project Management, Key Account, Technical Consultancy​

Languages spoken

Danish, English

Qualifications

Frosio Certified

Dr. Benigna von Brederlow

Head of Yacht

With a background in Biology and Human Genetics, qualification of Dr. rer. nat. (doctorate of natural sciences), Benigna has a focus for detailed and accurate data analysis, organisation and structuring processes and technical reporting.

Benigna has worked within the superyacht coatings industry since 2008. Since then, she has been involved in projects regarding topcoat assessment, visiting most of the big New Builds in Germany and many of the largest superyachts in the Mediterranean. She has been heavily involved in observing and analysing topcoat quality, monitoring performance, and changes due to aging, following projects to further afield places like Canada, Chile, Thailand, US and the Caribbean. Benigna was also involved in working on the ICOMIA Guideline and ISO 11347, developing standards for applicators, shipyards and owners, and contractual work in regards of acceptance criteria.

Benigna is still a keen sailor, starting offshore yacht racing in 2000, worked for the IRC organisation and even completed an Atlantic crossing in 2007, and today enjoys travel and new experiences.

Before starting with Safinah Group, Benigna worked for a coating consulting company in Germany.

Expertise

Yacht coatings – topcoat quality / measurements and quality control / performance monitoring​

Languages spoken

German, English

Qualifications

RMCI, Dr. rer. nat.

Dr. Neil Nicolson

Head of Yacht Consultancy

With an academic background in organic and polymer chemistry, Neil is a vastly experienced chemist and R&D manager with over 18 years’ experience in the chemical industry working for the world’s largest supplier of yacht coatings.

As a Laboratory Chemist and Technical Manager, Neil had a proven track record in delivering new products and technologies to market, including many of the most commonly used fillers, finishes and primers in the yacht industry. He has led teams in supporting the business in all yacht coatings sectors including antifoulings and topcoat colour matching.

Since joining Safinah Group in 2015, Neil has managed many projects for coatings support in superyacht newbuilds, refits, condition surveys, insurance claims and major legal cases.

Through this combined experience Neil has all round knowledge of how yacht coatings should perform both in theory and in practice.

Expertise

Yacht Coatings and their Chemistry

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc (Hons), PhD.

Dr. Ralitsa Mihaylova

Head of Special Projects | Consultant

Ralitsa qualified as a Marine Engineer and has had experience working in ports administration, ship management and maritime administration, including a research placement at the IMO.

Expertise

End user market analysis and forecasting

Languages spoken

Bulgarian, English, Spanish

Qualifications

BSc/BEng, MSc., PhD.

Bruno Ravel

Head of Chemical & Disruptive Technologies | Consultant

Bruno has a background in chemistry and has specialist knowledge of coating formulation and testing in relation to the heavy-duty coating market.

He worked for 10 years as a paint formulator for many paint companies in the marine and protective coating sector including one of the world’s largest heavy-duty paint companies. He has expertise in paint formulation of various chemistries such as anticorrosive coatings, topcoats and intumescent coatings and their corresponding testing requirements. Bruno has successfully developed and launched new intumescent products into the market.

Within Safinah, Bruno heads the coatings technology sector with clients such as raw material providers, paint manufacturers and new technology disruptors, ranging from start-up to multinational. This sector provides market insights such as market analysis, forecasting, assistance with formulation, technology assessment in order to minimize clients’ risks, time and cost to enter the market.

Expertise

Polymer Chemistry, Coating formulation

Languages spoken

French, English

Qualifications

MSc, ENSCMu, NACE CIP Level 2

Jessica Patterson

CFO

An experienced chartered senior finance professional, Jessica leads the Finance function for Safinah.

Prior to joining Safinah, Jessica has a background in FMCG, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Chemicals and Transport.

Expertise

Accountancy and Finance

Languages spoken

English, German

Qualifications

ACMA, CGMA and BA (Hons) International Business Management

Charles Atkinson

Consultant

Charles Atkinson is a coating consultant who has extensive experience of planning and executing coating systems for new build projects, such as multi-roll offshore supply vessels, FPSO, fast offshore patrol vessels (military type) and mega yachts.

He has developed maintenance planning systems for land based oil & gas installations, jack up rigs, multi-roll vessels, applying specialist knowledge in preparation and application techniques for coatings.

Charles has many years experience in the mega yacht industry both in new construction and maintenance and repair of existing vessels.

His background as a yacht builder means he is able to align the complexities of construction with the nuances of aesthetic coatings to ensure the best possible results are achieved. As well as practical advice on yacht coating and construction he also acts as an independent mediator when parties are unable to agree a way forward.

He is FROSIO level 3 registered and specialises in practical aspects of application, specification and planned maintenance.

Expertise

Coatings

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

FROSIO

John Benitez

Coating Project Manager | Health & Safety Lead

John joined the coating industry as a field engineer, doing coating inspection work, then worked as Regional Technical Services Manager for Latin America and Product Manager for Latin America for one of the world’s largest marine and protective coatings companies.  He has a specialist knowledge in Project Management in both Oil and Marine Industries.

Prior to joining Safinah, John worked as an independent consultant for the Marine and Oil Industries providing technical coating advice and field support for companies worldwide.

Expertise

Technical Services Marine & Protective Coatings Management

Languages spoken

English, Portuguese, German

Qualifications

BSc (Engineering), Project Management, MBA, FROSIO Level 3

Sophie Carvalho de Matos

HR and ISO Manager

Sophie has a degree in French Studies and a background in accounts management. She oversees all corporate policies and HR matters.

Expertise

People Management, Accounts

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BA Hons, AAT

Simon Daly

Consultant (Energy & Infrastructure)

Simon Daly joined the industry as a graduate engineer working in formulating and supporting heavy duty internal linings. Since then he has extensive experience in the protective coatings industry working in technical, commercial and marketing positions. He has specialist knowledge of internal linings as well as other specialist areas.

Prior to joining Safinah Simon was global oil and gas market manager for a large multinational coating company.

Expertise

Internal linings (tanks and vessels), hydrocarbon fire protection & corrosion under insulation (CUI)

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

B. Eng (Hons), MICorr, AMPP Senior Corrosion Technologist

Stuart Downie

Consultant

Stuart has spent 25 years in the coatings industry and has provided technical support and leadership to the automotive, aerospace and superyacht markets for one of the world’s largest coating companies. Having been industrially trained, he has an extremely broad general knowledge of all aspects relating to the practicalities of coatings technology.

Stuart’s particular speciality relates to his in-depth of knowledge of coatings application processes and associated equipment, including ancillaries, with specific emphasis on the highest quality finishes demanded by the superyacht market. He spent several years developing and improving application processes for one of the leading superyacht topcoats.

Before joining Safinah, Stuart spent over 8 years as the global coatings technical lead for one of the largest marine Classification Societies. He has a sound knowledge of Class requirements for coatings and corrosion prevention in the marine sector, has been a key player in academic research projects relating to antifoulings and attended IMO working groups as a technical advisor to the UK MCA.

Expertise

Coatings application; Marine Classification; Colour

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

NACE CIP Level 2; FIMF

Alan Guy

Principal Research Consultant

Alan is a chemist with a background in industrial and polymer chemistry and has been involved in the paint industry for over 30 years. Whilst working for one of the world’s largest paint companies, he developed the phenalkamine technology currently used in the majority of winter workable paints. This work led to him being presented with the MT Harvey Award for his contribution to the development of cashew nutshell liquid technology.

After some years in product development for the Marine business he become Technology Development Manager working with the internal research teams and setting up joint development projects with key external suppliers. Moving into the Yacht business, he became Global Technical manager, responsible for all technical aspects.

Alan has considerable in-depth knowledge of marine and yacht formulations in addition to an excellent understanding of their practical application in a working environment. Particular areas of expertise are antifoulings and foul release coatings, yacht topcoats and fillers, chemical tank linings and epoxy technology in general.

He has also been involved in cutting edge research having been Industrial Supervisor for 35 degree projects and 3 PhDs. In 2005 he was awarded the title of Visiting Fellow at Northumbria University.

With his breadth of experience, Alan works across all sectors within Safinah in a variety of roles such as coating project management on yachts, failure investigation, technology assessment, formulation training and provision of technical advice and Expert Witness.

Expertise

Yacht Coatings

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc(Hons) MSc CIP1

Mike Hindmarsh

Marine Consultant

Michael Hindmarsh is a graduate chemist with over 40 years’ service working in the marine coatings and corrosion industry. He has considerable experience from working in technical and marketing roles specifically in the military, newbuilding and drydocking sectors. Specific areas of expertise are deck coatings, fouling control products, and tank coatings. He also has knowledge of application techniques with a particular interest in the new and emerging robotic methods.

Prior to joining Safinah Michael was working in an Innovation Incubator at one of world’s largest coatings companies following many years as the Global Marketing Manager for Deep Sea Dry Docking, which included the segment of Fou

Expertise

Deck coatings, fouling control products, tank coatings

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc(Hons)

Keith W Hutchinson

Head of PT & ES | Consultant

Over a 30 year career as a ship designer and naval architect, Keith has been constantly at the forefront of the technical development of robust but flexible solutions for a multitude of design problems, ranging from sub 20 metre / 20 tonne high speed passenger catamarans and landing craft to FPSOs and FLNGs in excess of 500 metres long and over 700,000 tonnes displacement for the harshest of environments. He has constantly strived with clients globally to explore unknown and commonly conflicting multiple dimensional design spaces for novel, complex and bespoke merchant and offshore ship types, both new-build and conversions, such as: Offshore Production vessels (FPSOs, FSOs, FLNGs, FRSUs); Transport Ships and Barges; FloTels; Mining Ships; Gas Carriers (LNG, LPG, LH2); Shuttle Tankers and Bunker Ships (Oil and Gas); Cargo Ships; Passenger Ships etc.

Keith began his career as a Naval Architect with a major shipbuilder and also worked in ship repair. Prior to joining Safinah he was engaged in consultancy as Chief Engineer for Commercial Marine responsible for the development of ship designs, undertaking technical investigations and identifying solutions, technical governance and was Technical Authority. He was also responsible for the technical management of a large multidisciplinary merchant ship and offshore design office including Naval Architecture, Marine Structures, Marine Engineering, Electrical and Controls, and Cost Estimating functions. In addition, he was also Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Naval Architecture domain pan-site throughout the company.

Keith has authored over 40 technical papers and articles and been invited to give numerous public and conference presentations on naval architecture and ship design. He is active in several professional learned institutions and sits on a variety of professional technical committees etc. developing standards and guidance for the maritime industry globally.

  • Member of Lloyd’s Register’s main ship Technical Committee (TC)
  • Member of Lloyd’s Register’s Offshore Technical Committee (OTC)
  • Member of Lloyd’s Register’s Naval Ship Technical Committee (NSTC)
    – Member of the Ship Design and Applications (SD&A) Inter-Sessional Working Group (ISWG)
  • Member of SNAME’s Technical and Research (T&R) Ship Design Committee (SDC)
    – Co-Chair of Panel SD-4 ‘Ship Arrangements’
    – Member of Panels SD-9 ‘Commercial Ship Design’ and SD-12 ‘Total Ship Energy Efficiency’
  • Member of SNAME’s T&R Offshore Committee (OC)
    – Member of Panel OC-9 ‘Floating Systems Robustness Checks’
  • Visiting lecturer on Ship Design at Newcastle University

Expertise

Whole Ship Design and Naval Architecture

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BEng(Hons), CEng, CMarEng, FRINA, FIMarEST, FSNAME

Sandy Kirkwood

Business Development Director | Consultant

Sandy Kirkwood is a coating consultant who has been on the board of one of the world’s leading heavy duty resin manufacturers with global responsibility for its photocure business based on UV technology.

During the past 30 years he has been involved with all aspects of running a global business including:

  • Product Formulation
  • Product Integration
  • Development of Technical Teams
  • Establishing Realistic Quality Standards
  • Development of Project Management Systems

 

He has significantly grown and managed Safinah’s Mega Yacht business covering new building and refit projects. With his realistic and practical approach to yard procedures, he has sucessfully implemented a project management system into the standard working practices of new construction yards. This has been welcomed by owners and yards.

Mr. Kirkwood also handles ship coating projects related to strategic market understanding and new build and M&R issues.

Expertise

Corrosion, Resin Technology & Project Management

Languages spoken

English, French, Greek

Qualifications

BSc(Hons)

Dominika Werdecka-Latarska

Yacht Consultant

Dominika Werdecka-Latarska is an experienced marine and yacht coatings inspector, driven by her passion for preserving the quality and longevity of maritime structures. With a solid 11-year track record in the ship and yacht building industry, Dominika brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in biotechnology from the Gdansk University of Technology.

Before entering the super yacht stage, Dominika was actively involved in various offshore projects, including those under NORSOK M-501, PSPC, Passive Fireproofing, and Bridge Buildings, and many others. This diverse experience has enriched her specialisation in marine coatings and quality control. As a super yacht painting coordinator at the largest yacht producer in Poland, she effectively coordinated subcontractors, managed painting schedules, calculated paint and filler consumption for cost efficiency, and oversaw the entire painting process.

Expertise

Quality Control, Paint Process Management, Marine & Yacht Coatings

Languages spoken

Polish, English

Qualifications

BSc. Chemistry, MSc. Biotechnology; FROSIO III, RMCI

Fergus MacKinnon

Consultant (Energy & Infrastructure)

Fergus spent the early part of his career working as an analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry prior to moving into the coatings industry where he spent 10 years as an R&D chemist at one of the largest paint companies in the world.

He has broad experience of working with many of the coating technologies typically used in the infrastructure and renewables sectors.  He is also experienced in product formulation, test method development, specifications, approvals and testing plus managing joint industry projects with oil and gas majors.

Fergus has also had a 6-year spell working in technical sales, providing technical and commercial solutions to the UK coating, composites and adhesive industries.

Expertise

  • Industrial protective coatings, maintenance, repair and corrosion
  • Project Management

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc(Hons) Chemistry – With New Materials Technology

Deborah Mayo

Office Manager

Deb has an extensive experience in Sales Support Administration and Customer Service including 12 years working for a local manufacturing company making LED lighting for the CCTV/Hazardous Area market, in addition to providing customer service to Yacht customers in the DACH Region.

Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and her black cocker spaniel now her sons have grown up.

Expertise

Sales support, Office administration, Customer service

Languages spoken

English

Fadzli Omar

Business Development Manager

Fadzli has worked in the coating industry for over 15 years and has a wealth of knowledge from his experience as a Senior Coating Advisor and Project Manager (Special Projects) in one of the world’s largest marine and protective coatings companies.

Prior to joining Safinah, Fadzli was actively involved in setting up new initiatives for programmes catered to shipowners and managers including seastock management programmes and digital reporting tool.

Expertise

Marine & Protective Coatings

Languages spoken

English, Malay

Qualifications

FROSIO Level 3, Advanced Diploma in Marine Offshore Technology

Ted Rabida

Marketing Manager

Ted is an experienced marketing professional with expertise in digital marketing and management. He has worked in various industries such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Automation, retail, manufacturing and IT services. 

He is passionate about business management, advertising, sales and has proficiency in creative design, audio/video production, content writing and web development. 

Ted enjoys travelling with great interest in arts, filmmaking, oil-painting, craft-making, cooking, music, and history.

Ted holds BA Communication Arts, and MSc Marketing degrees.


Expertise

Marketing management & strategies, consumer psychology, web development, creative design, digital marketing.

Languages spoken

Filipino, English

Qualifications

BA, MSc

Jakov "Bobo" Radenovic

Consultant (Americas)

Jakov joined the industry as a Coating Inspector and has worked in the protective coating industry for over 37 years. He has a wealth of experience from technical leadership positions held in Europe, Middle East, Asia/Pacific and Americas.

His speciality is in surface treatment, corrosion and fouling protection by protective coatings; from coating system & specification design to field testing and implementation, practical application, risk management and failure analysis.

Prior to joining Safinah, Jakov was working as a Technical Service Director and Chief Consultant for Global Key Accounts in renewable energy, with one of the major, global suppliers of coating solutions to Marine, Energy, Infrastructure, Industrial and Decorative sectors.

Expertise

Marine coatings and heavy-duty coatings in Energy and Infrastructure sectors

Languages spoken

Croatian, English

Qualifications

FROSIO Level 3, NACE CIP Level 1, Nautical Engineer

Lee Spoor

Consultant (Energy & Infrastructure)

Lee Spoor joined the industry as a graduate chemist working in coatings production support and formulation development with a major International coating manufacturer where he has spent his career to date. Subsequently he has devoted much of his time delivering high end project support to the oil and gas and infrastructure markets. His role in project support troubleshooting projects on behalf of major clients has provided him a wealth of varied site experiences which he now brings to Safinah. In addition to his knowledge of coatings Lee has supplemented this with qualifications and specific experience in the various passive fire protection markets.

Expertise

Passive Fire Protection (hydrocarbon and cellulosic), bridges, failure analysis​

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc. (Hons) Chemistry, AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (NACE Level 3), ICorr Fire Proofing Inspector (Level 3)

Alan Walker

Business Development Director | Consultant

Alan Walker joined the coating industry as a graduate chemist working in research and development. Since then he has had extensive experience in the marine and protective coatings industry in technical, commercial and managerial roles working in the UK, Middle East and Far East. Prior to joining Safinah, Alan was the EMEA Marine Director for one of the world’s largest coatings companies. Since joining Safinah Group in 2015 Alan has acted as a coating expert on over 70 separate coating matters.

Expertise

Marine Coatings

Languages spoken

English, Thai

Qualifications

BSc(Hons)

Michael Ward

Head of Financial Systems and Analysis

Experience

Manufacturing – performing duties within Cost Control and Manufacturing Analysis/Reporting.

Building/Construction – performing duties more aligned to standard Finance processes such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Bank Reconciliations.

Public Transport – began within the Finance department performing duties such as Intercompany reconciliation, Insurance reconciliation and management accounts preparation before moving to Finance Systems team where I was involved in support and development of the Finance System. I was also heavily involved in numerous Projects including System upgrades and implementing new Accounting Ledgers for newly purchased businesses.

Financial Services – I started in an FP&A role analysing Financial accounting entries at a cost centre level across the Group, before presenting the results to key stakeholders. I then moved to a Finance Systems lead role where I was heavily involved in the implementation of the new Cloud based Financial ERP.

Hobbies

My hobbies/interests outside of work are running, cycling and spending time with family.

 

Expertise

Finance Systems implementation, development and support. Finance processes implementation. Understanding of standard Financial System accounting entries across all sub-ledgers.​

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

AAT Accounting, ITIL foundation, PRINCE2 foundation

Mark Welch

Coatings Consultant

Mark comes from a background in Engineering design. After graduating from Bournemouth University, he entered into the world of yacht coatings 16 years ago, starting his journey as an applicator in Hamburg, Germany.

Mark’s career spans across several Northern European shipyards, where he has tackled intricate paint projects and managed contractors. His expertise encompasses both new builds and refits, with a focus on achieving the highest standards in coatings application and supervision which he now applies to his consulting work.

Beyond the coatings industry, Mark is an ardent scuba dive instructor. With experience working on yachts and a tally of 4000+ dives, he has explored many of the world’s top dive destinations.

Expertise

Yacht Coatings

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

AMPP (NACE II) Certified Coatings Inspector, FdSc Computer Aided Design

John Willsher

Business Development Manager

John graduated from Salford University in 1986 with a first-class honours degree in Chemistry. He joined International Paint in 1986 and worked as a Paint Chemist in the development laboratories, before spending five years working in the Marine Marketing Department. 

Between 1995 and 2006, he worked for companies in the UHP hydroblasting and surface protection contracting industries. His role within these companies covered General Management and ultimately Managing Director positions.

In 2006, John re-joined International Paint as Market Development Manager for Foul Release (Intersleek) products for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). In 2009, he was appointed Worldwide Market Manager for Intersleek foul release products. 

In 2020, he was appointed Global Account Manager responsible for the team supporting the largest shipping groups worldwide – and in 2025, John joined ECOsubsea as Global Business Development Director for ROV underwater cleaning services.

He recently joined Safinah as Business Development Manager and Vessel Efficiency Specialist.

Expertise

Business Development, Management, Marketing, Account Management

Languages spoken

English

Russell Wright

Assistant Manager Technical Services (excl Asia)

Russell has been in the coating industry for over 30 years, primarily working with one of the world’s largest paint suppliers in the Middle East in the marine sector. He has also worked for various companies in the offshore and renewable energy within the last ten years.

Prior to joining Safinah Group, Russell was representing various clients across Europe on new construction projects as their Senior QA/QC Coatings Technical advisor.

Expertise

Industrial and Marine Coatings​

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

FROSIO Level 3, CSWIP 3.0 Welding Inspection

Mick Bonham

Associate

Mick has 40 years of experience in shipbuilding, oil and gas, and engineering / project management.

He has significant experience in the development of concept and basic designs on a range of technically complex merchant, offshore and naval vessels, both new-build and conversions, focusing on hull form definition, hydrostatic assessments and development of arrangements etc, applying the appropriate statutory, national and company design standards.

Over his career Mick has spent much of his time developing conceptual designs through to the detailed engineering phase. In later years he has been in a construction support role as site Liaison Engineer, for various Clients. During this period, he has been seconded to Clients offices in London, Poland, Oman and Nigeria.

  • Chartered Engineer
  • Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects

Expertise

Naval Architecture

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

ONC, HND, CEng, FRINA

Dr. Iain Braidwood

Associate

With over thirty years of professional experience as: a seafarer; a Classification Society surveyor; a researcher; a lecturer; as well as being a Naval Architect for ship owners and at an oil major; Dr Braidwood is recognised internationally as being highly motivated to provide a safe environment for ships and their crews.

Iain’s ship experience runs the range from Tugs, Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) ships, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Carriers, Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers (LNGCs), Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) vessels, Bulk Carriers, Shuttle Tankers, Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) up to Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs) to oil Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, and also Submarines.  He is acknowledged as being an authoritative communicator with extensive experience of engaging proactively with customers.

Dr Braidwood has an established international reputation for ship structures and marine assets.  He has authored many technical papers and been invited to give numerous public and conference presentations on ship structures and naval architecture.  He has previously served as a Member of Lloyd’s Register’s Offshore Technical Committee (OTC) and was Chair for one term and Member of the Tanker Structures Co-operative Forum for over a decade.  Iain is currently a Visiting Lecturer on Ship Operation and Naval Architecture at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

Expertise

Ship Structures, Ship Operations and Naval Architecture

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BEng(Hons), PhD, CEng, MRINA, MSNAME

Dr. Stephen Brooke

Associate

Dr. Brooke has a wide experience in a broad range of engineering disciplines and their associated supply chains. This comes from 30 years experience in senior operational, technical and board roles in marine, rail and defence sectors.

He has a particular knowledge of the practicalities in structural fabrication and its linked technologies of welding, coating, heat treatment, forming, and assembly.
 
He has worked internationally with both small and multinational organisations in senior positions and is recognised for being able to view both hands-on and strategic aspects in problem solving and business improvement.

Expertise

Engineering

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BSc., PhD., CEng., MRINA, SenMWeldI

Ian Buckham

Associate

Ian began his career as an Electrical Apprentice before progressing into the Design Engineering Department of a major shipbuilder. He has over 35 years’ experience in basic, concept and detail design projects and associated installations within, marine, industrial and pharmaceutical environments.

Within the pharmaceutical environment Ian was responsible for the Electrical & Instrumentation scope associated with the design, installation, commissioning and validation of numerous projects which included plant upgrades, new building and process plant installations and major shutdowns.

Within the marine environment working with ship owners, operators and Classification Societies Ian has been involved with numerous ship builds, design studies, upgrades and conversions for both commercial and naval ships, such as: Diamond Mining Vessels, FPSO, FSO, FLNG, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Polar Research Vessel and Pipelaying Vessels.

Ian has a broad appreciation of the overall ship design process including the interaction between disciplines, how they and the requirements of regulatory authorities interact and impact on the overall project objectives.

Expertise

Electrical and Controls Design and Engineering

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

ONC, HNC, HND, CEng, MIET

David C Dobson

Associate, Professional Technical & Engineering Services

David has over 40 years of experience in shipbuilding, oil and gas, ship repair and engineering/project management companies.

He has worked in a variety of senior management positions including Operations Director for a ship conversion and repair specialist, Principal Consultant for a Marine Consultancy and Programme Director for a Service Support Specialist. He has a broad experience of Commercial Marine Engineering and Project Management.

David has acted as expert witness, representing overseas clients in major litigation cases.

He has authored numerous papers and articles related to marine vessel design and operation.

  • Chartered Engineer
  • Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects
  • Visiting lecturer at Newcastle University.

Expertise

Business Management and Naval Architecture

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

MBA, BSc, CEng, FRINA

Paul Fisher

Associate

In a 35 year career in shipbuilding, Paul has carried out a variety of roles in both production and ship design disciplines, from commissioning and outfitting, classification approval (Lloyd’s Register – engineer surveyor), to the design of marine machinery and hull piping systems. The design role represents the majority of Paul’s career, where he has been involved with both conversion and new build projects, at both the basic and detailed design level. This across a variety of ship types, from small craft, naval ships, passenger ships, pipe-laying vessels, cargo barges, floating production units (FPSO, FSRU, FLNG), sub-sea mining vessels, to the largest offshore heavy lift construction/ de-commissioning ship. Each of these projects demanded an in depth knowledge of the rules and regulations as well as the ability to draw on personal experience, in order to provide effective solutions to the client for the specialist aspects which inevitably arise for each. Examples being novel air and overflow systems, integration of emerging IMO convention systems such as ballast water treatment, exhaust abatement and safe return to port, to specific system features such as discrete flow measurement in a fresh water cooling system, to satisfy a hazard assessment requirement.

Paul also takes a keen interest in ship design outside of purely project related tasks, in keeping up to date with ongoing developments in the design of marine systems, as well as maintaining an awareness of the variety of approaches available for their effective application.

Expertise

Marine Systems Design, Engineering and Commissioning

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

BEng(Hons), CEng, CMarEng, MIMarEST

Doug Gilbert

Associate

Doug Gilbert has over 30 years of experience in the marine and protective coatings industry. As Technical Training Manager for one of the largest suppliers of marine and heavy duty coatings, he wrote technical service training programmes which are used worldwide. He has written in-house standards on surface preparation techniques which were adopted by NACE and SSPC and form the basis of current ISO standards.

Expertise

Marine Coatings, Technical Operations, Corrosion Control

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

MNACE ERS ICorr

Roel van Veen

Associate

In a 20-year career in engineering and operations support, Roel has worked in safety engineering, process safety and HSE management roles for upstream, midstream and downstream facilities. His engineering roles included (Lead) Safety Engineer, Process Engineer and HSE Design Manager.

Roel has over 10 years of experience at an FPSO operator, where he was intimately involved in Lead Engineer and HSE Manager roles for newbuilt FPSO projects, FPSO relocation projects, brownfield FPSO modification projects and projects related to turrets, a soft yoke mooring system and an arctic loading tower. Design verification, development and submission of Safety Cases and obtaining environmental permits for FPSOs were also activities undertaken there.

At a large engineering contractor, Roel was involved as HSE Design Manager in a number of FLNG concept designs and FEED studies. He worked as Technical Safety Engineer during the FEED and EPC of a SPAR, and as Lead Safety Engineer for various greenfield midstream and downstream/refinery FEED and EPC projects.

Roel worked for two oil and gas companies in an owner’s engineers’ team for FLNG FEED studies and for small floating production projects.

He is an experienced HAZID and HAZOP facilitator and has worked as guest lecturer Technical Safety and Risk Assessment at the TU Delft and the Catholic University of Leuven. He has a special liking for teaching and has in that capacity developed a number of bespoke shorter and longer courses in the field of safety engineering, risk assessment and process safety.

 

Expertise

HSE in Design, Risk Assessment, Process Safety, Safety Engineering, Regulatory Compliance

Languages spoken

English

Qualifications

MSc, EurOSHM

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