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Shrink-wrap for transport protection – Type 26 Frigate sections

Project – Type 26 Frigate hull
Purpose – Custom protective system for secure transport
Location – Birkenhead to Govan Docks, Scotland
Client – Denholm Industrial Services (DIS)
Product – Flame retardant 190μm industrial shrink-wrap

Tufcoat was engaged by Denholm Industrial Services to deliver a specialist shrink-wrap for transport protection solution for the transportation of a Royal Navy Type 26 Frigate hull. The hull was to be moved by sea from Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead to the Govan Docks in Scotland — a route that presented multiple environmental and logistical challenges.
 

Why Shrink-Wrap for Transport Protection?

Shrink-wrap has become a preferred solution for transport protection in marine, industrial and construction sectors because it offers:
  • Tight, secure coverage that won’t flap or tear in transit
  • Weather and UV resistance, essential for long journeys
  • Customisation to any shape or structure, including large and irregular cargo like ship hulls
  • Flame-retardant properties which meet safety standards for sensitive environments
For this project, Tufcoat used their own, custom manufactured 190μm flame-retardant shrink-wrap, engineered to meet the heavy-duty demands of sea transport.
 

Project Challenges

Transporting a vessel of this size is never straightforward. The project posed several key challenges:
  • Environmental exposure: Salt, wind and water posed risks to the hull’s surface.
  • Wind resistance and drag: The structure had to be aerodynamically stable to prevent lift or tearing during the sea journey.
  • Structural integrity of the wrap: The shrink-wrap needed full support from a scaffold to remain taut and secure throughout transit.
  • Precision fitment: The wrap had to conform exactly to the dimensions, leaving no room for error or slack.

Our approach to transport protection

To meet the brief, we developed a bespoke scaffold and sheeting system that supported the shrink-wrap for transport protection from end to end. Working in partnership with Denholm Industrial Services, our approach included:
  • Detailed design consultation to ensure compatibility with the hull’s size and shape
  • Selection of high-strength, flame-retardant 190μm shrink-wrap for optimal protection
  • Collaborative planning with scaffold teams to ensure wrap stability under wind load
  • On-site installation guidance to guarantee professional application and sealing

On-site execution

Execution was carried out smoothly thanks to excellent collaboration between all stakeholders:
  • DIS led scaffold construction, building a robust framework to support the wrap.
  • Tufcoat’s team provided technical guidance and hands-on installation support.
  • Cammell Laird personnel facilitated lifting operations and logistics, ensuring safe, timely installation.
The shrink-wrap system was installed on schedule, meeting all performance criteria and transport deadlines.
 

Results: Damage-free transport with complete protection

Thanks to the use of shrink-wrap for transport protection, the Type 26 hull was delivered to Govan Docks with:
  • No surface damage
  • No delays due to weather-related issues
  • Full protection throughout the marine journey

The project demonstrated the critical value of professional-grade shrink-wrap solutions in high-risk, high-value transport scenarios.
Tufcoat Contracts Manager Kieran Walsh, commenting on the project;

“This project showcases what we do best: solving complex challenges through collaboration, technical precision and tailored design. The streamlined cross-team communication and meticulous planning with Denholm Industrial Services and the team at Cammell Laird, meant that we achieved a durable and reliable protective solution that successfully met all the functional requirements.”

Conclusion

Whether you’re moving naval vessels, industrial machinery or fragile cargo, shrink-wrap for transport protection offers a proven, cost-effective solution. This project highlights the importance of engineering-led design, high-performance materials and cross-functional collaboration in protecting critical assets in transit.

Tufcoat continues to lead the way in developing specialist shrink-wrap systems for complex logistics, marine protection and industrial containment. With over 21 years of industry experience, Tufcoat are ready and waiting to take on the your transport protection challenges – contact us today to chat through your requirements.

Images by APCL Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders Limited

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