Every FP Technologies HDPE hull to be independently surveyed before it leaves the factory

Independent, third-party sign-off on every hull before it leaves the factory — giving buyers documented assurance of quality and setting a new standard for the HDPE sector.

FP Technologies Limited has appointed UK Marine Services Ltd (UKMS) as the sole independent surveyor for every HDPE narrowboat hull and shell it builds. From now on, no hull will leave the factory without being independently checked and signed off.

For customers, it changes what they can expect when they buy. Every hull is inspected by an impartial, professionally qualified surveyor with no stake in the sale — so the assurance of quality comes from an independent expert, not from the builder alone. Buyers receive documented, third-party confirmation that the vessel they are purchasing has been built to standard.

For the wider industry, it sets a marker. Independent sign-off on every hull — not occasional spot checks — is rare in volume boatbuilding, and the two companies hope it becomes the expectation rather than the exception across the HDPE sector.

Shaun Moir, Sales and Marketing Manager at FP Technologies, said:

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of UK Marine Services Ltd as the dedicated and exclusive independent surveyor for our HDPE narrowboat hulls and shells. As a business built on more than 30 years of manufacturing expertise through Formation Plastics, we understand the importance of quality, consistency and trust. Throughout our history, we have focused on delivering innovative, durable products to the highest standards, and we wanted to partner with an organisation that shares those same values and commitment to excellence. The team at UK Marine Services brings extensive marine surveying, engineering and technical expertise, together with a strong reputation for providing professional and independent assessments across the marine sector. Their experience, knowledge and dedication to maintaining the highest standards made them the natural choice as our exclusive surveying partner. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to quality, transparency and customer assurance. By independently verifying every HDPE hull and shell before it leaves our facility, we can provide customers with complete confidence in the craftsmanship, structural integrity and build quality of every vessel we produce. We are extremely proud to be working alongside UK Marine Services and believe this collaboration represents another important step in raising standards and delivering the very best for our customers.”

Dr Elliott Berry, Director and Surveyor of UK Marine Services Ltd, said:

“Independence is everything in this work. We have no stake in the sale — our only job is to inspect each hull honestly and report exactly what we find. For the customer, that means real peace of mind: the quality of the boat they are buying has been confirmed by someone whose only loyalty is to the standard. For a builder to put every hull through that, before it ever reaches the water, says everything about their confidence in their own work. We are proud to stand behind it.”

Dr Barry Burnell, Director and Surveyor of UK Marine Services Ltd, added:

“Independent verification is what turns a good hull into a trusted one. Plenty of builders vouch for their own work; very few invite an outside surveyor to check every single hull and put their name to the result. FP Technologies has chosen to do exactly that, and it raises the bar for everyone. Buyers deserve that level of certainty, and we believe the whole industry will be better for it.”

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About FP Technologies Limited

FP Technologies Limited (company no. 15666748) designs and manufactures HDPE narrowboat hulls and shells, drawing on more than three decades of thermoplastic manufacturing expertise established through Formation Plastics. The company is known for delivering innovative, durable products built to the highest standards. Registered office: Unit 8 GB Business Park, Cutlar Hight Lane, Bradford, BD4 9HZ.

About UK Marine Services Ltd

UK Marine Services Ltd is an independent practice of marine engineers, surveyors and consultants based at Allington Marina, Maidstone, Kent, led by directors and surveyors Dr Elliott Berry and Dr Barry Burnell. Its services include:

• Marine surveys — pre-purchase, condition, insurance and valuation — across narrowboats, GRP, steel and commercial craft;

• Marine claims inspections and repairs;

• MCA tonnage measurement and Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) coding;

• Stability, freeboard and inclining / heel testing;

• Ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) and non-destructive testing;

• Marine infrastructure and mooring inspections — pontoons, jetties and marina structures;

• Commercial diving, underwater and caisson inspections;

• Refit, repair and marine engineering;

• Dry-dock supervision and project management;

• Marine consultancy and expert witness services;

• Salvage and towage, inland and coastal;

• Marine breakdown and recovery cover (Medway and Swale);

• RSPCA fleet inspection and servicing, as an official supplier.

Company No. 15768923.

Media enquiries

FP Technologies Limited: Shaun Moir, Sales and Marketing Manager — shaun@formationplastics.co.uk

UK Marine Services Ltd: Dr Elliott Berry & Dr Barry Burnell, Directors and Surveyors — info@ukmarineltd.com · 0800 999 1796 · www.ukmarineltd.com

Notes to editors

• The agreement is a seven-year exclusive independent surveying agreement under which UK Marine Services Ltd surveys every HDPE narrowboat hull and shell produced by FP Technologies before it leaves the factory.

• Dr Elliott Berry and Dr Barry Burnell are available for interview on request.

• High-resolution logos and images are available on request.