Conversations at the Cutting Edge of Engineering

Guest: Adrian Green at Heavy Lift Projects Ltd

Embarking on a quest to spotlight Adrian Green alongside a cadre of equally brilliant engineers through a series of insightful dialogues, Reach Further Online traces its lineage back to a heritage deeply entwined within the engineering realm, a commitment nurtured across a spectrum exceeding ten fruitful years. Our experience with this sector has shown us that one thing is constant, change. There is both a personal interest and a business need to remain in lockstep with the ever-evolving industry because, in the dynamic world of engineering, change is the only constant, driving us towards innovations that redefine our reality and underscore the essence of progress. There is always more to learn, and what better way to do this than with first-hand accounts emanating directly from the core of this vibrant industry – the engineers themselves. It is within their everyday hurdles, ground-breaking solutions, and forward-thinking visions that the domain of engineering sees continuous metamorphosis and becomes a source of inspiration.

In our constant quest for expansion and knowledge, we acknowledge the treasure trove of wisdom to be unearthed from these inspiring professionals who daily chart their course through the complex seas of engineering. Our ambition lies in assembling and deciphering data, equipping us to identify trends and furnish insights of a calibre that might remain elusive to engineers immersed within their specialities. We warmly extend an invitation to engineers stimulated by our revelations or those eager to share their distinctive insights in future dialogues to join forces with us. In undertaking this collective exploration and enlightenment, we aim to paint a comprehensive picture of the ever-evolving engineering world.

As we continue our journey, stay tuned because Reach Further Online is on a mission to illuminate the extraordinary intellects propelling the engineering sector onwards.

Insights from HLPs – A feature presented by Reach Further Online

Insights from HLP – A feature presented by Reach Further Online

HLP are a team of pioneering heavy logistics engineers who are helping industrialise the construction phase of offshore wind projects, by developing the worlds largest and most capable, crane. Today, we delve into the insightful journey of Adrian Green, Director of Engineering and Contracts at HLPs, who has an unwavering belief in making the world a better place through his engineering expertise.

Adrian Green’s Engineering Voyage

When asked to recount his journey, Adrian reflected on his deep-seated passion for engineering, a passion ignited during his childhood. “I’ve always had an interest in how things work, although admittedly, I wasn’t the most applied student at school,” he muses. Despite these early challenges, Adrian’s resilience became his defining trait.

After school days, Adrian joined construction companies and worked with heavy steel, gradually climbing the professional ladder to notable heights — without initially holding an engineering degree. He shares, “It was surprising the types of things that I was able to achieve, building high-rise buildings and 35,000-tonne bridges, making sure that everything was put together correctly.” This period significantly influenced his career, shaping his approach to problem-solving and project management.

Adrian explains, “It was great experience but because I hadn’t completed my degree yet, there was a glass ceiling.” Sheer determination saw him pursue and attain formal qualifications in engineering as a mature student, graduating with a first-class bachelor’s degree, progressing towards chartered status. Green states, “While I was working on my degree, I was fortunate enough to find opportunities in engineering companies in the North East that would allow me to do one day a week at university and the other four days in the office.”

“At one company in particular, I was given the incredible chance to learn from some of the industry’s most well-known icons — true forges of engineering excellence. Their approach was to throw people into challenging situations and push them to their limits.”

Adrian continues, “this method, although tough, helped me grow significantly. I saw it as an opportunity and dove right in. Over time, I ended up leading some of their significant projects, including industry-leading monopile grippers and up-ending hinges.”

Now, with 15 years of experience, he has amassed a substantial project track record, having designed and improved equipment for offshore wind farms, shipping, and subsea applications.

“I suppose I’ve always been fascinated by large-scale projects. Bridges, buildings, and anything labelled as the “world’s largest” typically captures my interest. So, when I heard about the world’s largest crane, I knew I had to be involved. That’s how I found my way to HLPs.”

When asked about his greatest achievement, Green reflects, “I’ve been able to overcome the fact that things haven’t gone linearly for me. The projects I’ve been involved in have earned significant accolades, particularly for the size and capability of the equipment we’ve built, as well as the scale of the projects themselves. If I hadn’t been able to turn things around, I wouldn’t be here today.”

“That being said, these achievements have not been gained without sacrifice”, Adrian continues, “Working on projects internationally has required some time apart from family.”

“I wanted to set an example for my son by showing him the importance of pursuing your dreams, but I also didn’t want to sacrifice our time together. It’s a tough balance to strike.”

His journey to this point may not have followed a straight path, but his mission has always remained clear: to drive us towards a zero-carbon future through innovative technology.

Feet on the Ground: Professional Experience and Vision

Adrian’s work is not confined to theoretical models. He emphasises a practical approach, ensuring the reliability of vital components while considering environmental factors.

“I believe that I should leave this planet in a better condition than when I entered it. As an engineer, I intend to use my skills and experience to improve the world in which we all live,” says Adrian.

He talks about the rapid growth and complexity of offshore wind projects, explaining that the immense size and scale of these projects are pushing current port infrastructure and vessel capacities to new limits. For example, foundations can weigh up to 5,000 tonnes and turbines have hub heights of 150-160 meters, making the logistics highly challenging.

Adrian highlights that the offshore wind industry’s short-term focus doesn’t align with the need for substantial long-term investments in infrastructure. He states, “Ports need to invest heavily, but short one-year project commitments aren’t enough to cover these costs.”

Green adds, “There is a tendency to oversimplify these complexities in planning stages, using digital models that don’t fully capture the real logistical and engineering requirements.” He notes a gap between ambitious energy transition goals and the current capabilities to achieve them, particularly in terms of financing. “Short-term projects do not justify the substantial investments needed for upgrading ports and infrastructure, emphasising the need for realistic planning and significant investment,” he explains.

“As a result, developers aren’t forming long-term plans that would make it easier to manage resources efficiently. They prefer to deal with each project separately, which ends up being quite wasteful. This situation has arisen due to the way the industry has evolved, with many different stakeholders involved, leading to a somewhat messy and inefficient process.”

However, Adrian is tackling issues such as this by focusing on innovations that, while relatively small in scale, can provide significant efficiency gains. For example, Adrian’s team is developing solutions that can save around 30% of the marshalling area in ports, addressing the critical issue of limited space. These savings can reduce a project’s capital expenditure by about 2-3% during the construction period.

Although these savings might initially seem minor, when considered against a total project lifetime cost of £ 6 billion, small savings are substantial. This demonstrates Adrian’s and HLP’s commitment to incremental improvements and innovative thinking. By addressing these smaller inefficiencies, they’re helping to make the overall process more efficient, one step at a time, contributing positively to the industry’s long-term success.

His systematic approach to problem-solving and extensive experience in detailed design, concept development, hand calculations, and 3D analysis illustrate his comprehensive skill set. Moreover, Adrian excels in the client-facing aspects of engineering. His ability to build and retain client relationships highlights a critical component of his professional success. “I enjoy speaking to and connecting with people; from learning client requirements to concept, development, final design, and through to commissioning stages, good communication is key”, he adds.

HLP: Pioneers in Heavy Logistics Engineering

Adrian’s expertise complements the mission of HLPs, a company aimed at optimising project execution and site utilisation. The collaborative environment within HLPs ensures that the team can leverage their skills to mitigate risks, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency on a grand scale.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers

Throughout our conversation, Adrian also shared valuable advice for aspiring engineers and those considering a career in this dynamic field. His insights are a blend of learned lessons and forward-thinking vision, providing a beacon for future engineering professionals.

He emphasises the importance of pushing beyond self-imposed limits and not being constrained by expectations. Adrian says, “A lot of people talk about self-limiting beliefs, but you can end up feeling you’re achieving when there’s still something left in the tank. I’m a big believer in not leaving anything in the tank.”

This mindset of continuous learning and pushing beyond limits has helped him reach his current position, and he feels accomplished for it. He concludes, “Give it your all, always, and learn as you go. It’s about pushing yourself further than maybe you initially thought you could.”

Resilience and Continuous Learning

Adrian emphasises the importance of resilience and persistence, especially in a field as demanding as engineering. “Your educational background might not always pave the perfect path, but your determination can make all the difference. Despite initial challenges in my career, I kept pushing myself and attained my degree and professional status,” he says, “it wasn’t always easy, but the hard work and perseverance were worth it. Experience has taught me the value of resilience and the importance of never giving up on your goals.”. His own journey, which saw him transition from fieldwork to formal studies, exemplifies this resilience and tenacity.

“The engineering field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. Keeping up-to-date through further education, certifications, and self-study is crucial. Never stop learning,” he advises. “This mindset not only keeps an engineer relevant but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and improvement.”

Practical Experience and Problem Solving

Adrian’s extensive experience with offshore wind farms, shipping, and subsea applications showcases the breadth and depth of his expertise in practical engineering work. “Hands-on experience is invaluable”, Adrian highlights. “Working on real projects teaches you how to think critically and solve problems effectively. It’s essential to meld theoretical knowledge with practical applications,” he says.

His systematic problem-solving approach is another key takeaway. “Approach each problem methodically. Break it down into smaller parts, analyse the variables, and formulate a solution. Engineering often requires creative thinking within a structured framework,” he explains. This approach has allowed Adrian to ensure the reliability and efficiency of vital components in challenging environments.

Sustainability and Ethical Responsibility

Green passionately speaks about the role engineers play in sustainability and ethical practices. “We have a responsibility to the planet and future generations. Strive to develop solutions that are not only efficient and effective but also sustainable. Aim for innovations that reduce carbon footprints and encourage a healthier environment,” he shares. His own work in advancing a zero-carbon future through innovative technologies stands as a testament to this commitment.

He adds, “Ethics should guide our decisions. As engineers, the safety, well-being, and progress of society are in our hands. Uphold high standards of integrity and responsibility in all your projects.” This ethical framework is crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring long-term positive impacts.

Building Relationships

Another vital skill Adrian draws attention to is the importance of building and maintaining relationships. “Engineering is not just about technical skills; it’s about teamwork and communication. Develop good relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders and work to maintain them”, he says.

Adrian also discussed the necessity of understanding client needs and translating them into viable solutions. “From capturing requirements to the final commissioning, ensure that you are aligned with what the client needs and expects. This way, you not only build trust but also deliver successful projects,” he explains. “Meeting and exceeding client expectations consistently can lead to long-term partnerships and referrals.”

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Progressive Engineering

Adrian’s journey underscores a significant narrative within engineering—one that is continually evolving through perseverance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place. His work at HLPs not only addresses current engineering challenges but also paves the way for future advancements aimed at achieving a sustainable, zero-carbon world.

Conclusion

Through dialogues that capture the essence of pioneering minds like Adrian Green, Reach Further Online aims to illuminate the compelling stories that drive the engineering sector forward. These insightful conversations reveal the depth of expertise and vision required to navigate and shape the ever-evolving landscape of engineering. As we continue to highlight these influential voices, it becomes clear that the progress and innovation within the field are driven by the dedication and ingenuity of engineers like Adrian. Stay with us as we continue to bring you more stories from the extraordinary intellects propelling the engineering sector onwards.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Passion

– Adrian Green has had a passion for engineering since childhood, despite not excelling academically at first.

2. Professional Journey

– He began his career in construction and heavy steel, progressing through practical experience and resilience. – Earned a first-class bachelor’s degree in engineering, progressing towards chartered status.

3. Experience

– 15 years of experience, specialising in offshore wind farms, shipping, and subsea applications. – Proficient in detailed design, concept development, hand calculations, and 3D analysis.

– Skilled in building and maintaining client relationships from requirements capture to final commissioning.

4. Sustainability Commitment

– Dedicated to contributing to a zero-carbon future through innovative technology.

– Advocates for sustainable solutions and high ethical standards.

5. Advice for Aspiring Engineers

– Resilience and Persistence: Determination can overcome academic or professional setbacks.

– Continuous Learning

Staying updated with industry advancements is crucial for staying relevant and encouraging innovation.

Hands-on Experience: Practical experience is invaluable for effective problem-solving and integrating theoretical knowledge.

Systematic Problem-Solving: Approach problems methodically and creatively within a structured framework.

Sustainability and Ethics: Engineers should strive for sustainable solutions while upholding high ethical standards.

– Building Relationships: Effective communication and understanding client needs are critical for successful projects and long-term partnerships.

6. Vision and Future Goals

– Adrian Green’s work at HLPs focuses on mitigating risks, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency, while making significant strides towards a sustainable engineering future.