Member Article

Wallsend fire protection firm completes export project in Cologne, Germany

Barrier Fire Protection, part of Barrier Group, has completed a four week export project at an oil refinery in Cologne, Germany, which saw ten of its specialist team stationed in mainland Europe.

The Wallsend-based company secured the contract to carry out Passive Fire Protection (PFP) to a 15-metre diameter Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage sphere at the facility operated by Deutsche Infineum.

Utilising specialist Hydro-Cat spraying equipment, a highly-durable epoxy, with a 90 Minute Hydrocarbon Fire Rating, was applied to the exterior of the sphere and its support structure during a planned maintenance programme at the refinery.

Barrier Fire Protection was formed in 1990 to carry out passive fire protection to the BP Miller Oil Platform in the North Sea and has, since then, applied thousands of tons of epoxy intumescents to structural steel, vessels and pipework including more than 50 LPG storage spheres.

David Shaw, Director of Barrier Fire Protection, said: “The project is a particular area of expertise for Barrier Fire Protection, building on our extensive offshore and onshore experience working in hazardous locations.

“Securing this contract, in a competitive tender process, highlights the regard in which UK skills are held in Europe.”

Robert Bowles, Chairman of Barrier Group, said: “The commitment to health and safety combined with the skills and expertise of the UK supply chain is highly-respected by international companies.

“It supports our ability to export our technologies and services to locations such as Germany that require the efficient and safe delivery of maintenance projects.”