Q&A with Nick Sloane – Brand Ambassador for Southern Ropes
Nick was born in Zambia and finished his schooling in South Africa. He joined the Merchant Navy in 1980 where he quickly moved on to become Master in 1990 and Salvage Master in 1991. Nick has been involved in Salvage for just on 40 years. He has responded to incidents around the globe. Appointed to the Lloyds Panel of Special Casualty Representatives in 2010 and currently serving with Sloane Marine as the Managing Director. Former President and current member of the ISU (International Salvage Union), a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and a Fellow of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors. Nick was awarded the German Ocean Award in 2015 and an Italian Knighthood after the Costa Concordia Project. An impressive person leading an impressive life.
1. Why are you a Brand Ambassador for Southern Ropes? What makes you want to back their products?
Southern Ropes represents everything I value in maritime innovation—precision, reliability, and quality. Their dedication to producing top-notch products aligns with the demanding nature of the marine industry. I’ve seen firsthand how their ropes perform under the toughest conditions, and I have complete confidence in their durability and performance. Supporting a brand that places such emphasis on excellence and safety is a no-brainer for me. A perfect example of their dedication and workmanship can be seen in the Bark Europa Project. [Pictures can be added here or a link to the project]
2. How do you feel about synthetic rope replacing wire rope, particularly in the salvage industry?
The shift from wire to synthetic rope is a game-changer for the salvage industry. Synthetic ropes, like the ones Southern Ropes produces, offer incredible strength while being significantly lighter and easier to handle. I refer in particular to the D-Lite Hybrid Shackle which was recently launched. This product will be of great assistance to divers who are working in dangerous conditions. The change will improve safety for crews by reducing the risks associated with heavy wire ropes, like snapbacks or injuries during operations. The technological advancements in synthetic materials make them just as reliable as wire, if not more so, and they’re a critical step forward for the industry. [Images of the D-Lite can be added here]
3. Why are you excited by the recent acquisition of their new braider - "Big Bertha"?
"Big Bertha" is a remarkable addition to Southern Ropes’ production capabilities. This state-of-the-art braider not only enhances efficiency but also expands the possibilities for creating even more durable and specialized ropes. It's exciting to see a company invest in cutting-edge equipment to stay ahead of the curve and continue delivering top-tier products to industries that demand nothing but the best.
Why are you a Brand Ambassador for Southern Ropes? What makes you want to back their products?
Southern Ropes represents everything I value in maritime innovation—precision, reliability, and quality. Their dedication to producing top-notch products aligns with the demanding nature of the marine industry. I’ve seen firsthand how their ropes perform under the toughest conditions, and I have complete confidence in their durability and performance. Supporting a brand that places such emphasis on excellence and safety is a no-brainer for me. A perfect example of their dedication and workmanship can be seen in the Bark Europa Project.
Southern Ropes’ Bespoke Contribution to the Bark Europa Recovery (2023)
In 2023, the Bark Europa, a 570-ton sailing vessel, encountered a major setback when it fell over on its starboard side at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Dry Dock in Cape Town during transportation for launch. The recovery operation required precision, strength, and specialized lifting solutions to safely upright the vessel and prevent further damage.
Southern Ropes played a critical role in this operation by designing and manufacturing custom slings and high-performance ropes tailored specifically for the lifting process. These bespoke solutions ensured controlled lifting, load distribution, and structural integrity, allowing the vessel to be safely repositioned onto the synchro-lift track system.
Our team worked closely with the salvage team working under Salvage Master, Nick Sloane, to develop reinforced lifting slings capable of handling extreme loads while maintaining flexibility and durability. The success of this operation highlights Southern Ropes’ commitment to engineering excellence, innovation, and reliability in the maritime industry.
This project stands as a testament to the importance of specialised rope solutions in complex recovery operations, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality synthetic ropes for marine and industrial applications.
If you need high-performance ropes for your next project, contact us today to discuss how we can support your needs!
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References:
https://marineinsurancelondon.com/speakers/capt-nicholas-sloane/
