Marine Painting & Maintenance Contractors

Industrial

Bell are experienced marine painting contractors in the UK, delivering high-performance painting, maintenance, and steel protection services across the country. We specialise in complex and large-scale works across marine, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

We deliver Marine painting and maintenance across the UK

As experienced contractors, we specialise in the cleaning, blasting, and painting of ships. These services can be offered whilst in drydock, in port or by riding crews that can work around the daily operations of a vessel. We also carry out works to other industrial steel associated structures requiring paint refurbishment, these include rail and road bridges, tanks, footpaths, pylons, wind turbines, and many other forms of structures. Our work consists of high pressure washing, industrial shot blasting, grit blasting, mechanical preparation, and paint application by spray to most steel surfaces and structures.

Marine and Industrial Maintenance Experience

Our Marine division was set up over 20 years ago and operates independently from the commercial side of the business. It is known as our Marine Branch and is based in Hebburn, Tyneside. Our specialist teams travel throughout the UK and can work collaboratively with our clients to understand their requirements and deliver bespoke specifications to ensure long-term protection. We have access to an extensive supply chain, with long-standing relationships with all the leading industrial coatings manufacturers. This enables us to source and supply a range of specialist products and materials to suit our client’s needs.

Our expert team has a wealth of knowledge and training to provide our clients with the best solution. We recognise the differences in carrying out marine painting projects, so we have separate management teams with the relevant experience and accreditations to undertake marine works. We employ a specialist team all of whom are experienced in the delivery of heavy-duty preparation of surfaces, specialist treatments and protective coatings for all types of harsh industrial environments. They ensure the precise preparation of substrates and application of the most suitable coatings.

Our teams have delivered works on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, RFA, A&P Tyne, P&O, Maersk Oil, Total, BP, Cemex and many others. To ensure they remain skilled and experienced they undertake continual training and hold a range of qualifications such as CSCS, IPAF, PASMA and Confined Spaces.

Our Ship and Industrial Painting & Maintenance Services

We offer a wide range of tailored services, designed to support the long-term protection and performance of heavy-use industrial structures and equipment. Services include:

• High-pressure washing and degreasing
• Grit blasting, shot blasting, and mechanical preparation
• Spray application of industrial coatings
• Industrial steel painting for bridges, tanks, pylons, and wind turbines
• Ship painting services delivered at port, in drydock, or via onboard riding crews
• Painting and maintenance of oil rigs and marine infrastructure
• Protective treatments for road and rail structures

We operate with a fully employed, highly trained workforce and work in accordance with client specifications, environmental regulations, and manufacturer guidelines.

Flexible Solutions for Marine Environments

Our works are often delivered in live or high-risk environments, where flexibility and safety are paramount. We provide:

• Mobile teams capable of rapid deployment across the UK
• Project planning that minimises downtime and operational disruption
• Collaborative delivery aligned with client timelines and risk management needs
• Material specification support through relationships with leading coating manufacturers

Whether maintaining marine assets or refurbishing steel infrastructure, we tailor our solutions to suit each client’s technical, operational, and compliance needs.

Core Commitment to Site Safety and Standards

We operate under strict health and safety protocols and ensure all works meet or exceed UK safety standards. Our marine operatives hold:

• CSCS, IPAF, PASMA, and Confined Spaces qualifications
• In-house and supplier-led technical training
• Full compliance with ISO45001 procedures

All risk assessments, method statements, and environmental controls are in place for every project, regardless of complexity or scale.

Marine Maintenance: Delivering Performance and Protection

We understand that our marine clients require durable finishes, safe delivery, and zero rework. We help achieve this by:

• Offering accurate inspections and substrate assessments
• Ensuring correct surface preparation and product compatibility
• Monitoring coating performance and lifecycle outcomes
• Maintaining documentation for asset records and regulatory audits

This approach protects both the integrity of your infrastructure and the continuity of your operations.

Positive Impacts of Our Work With Ships

As a national contractor with long-standing community values, Bell aims to generate wider social and economic value through every contract:

• Supporting skilled trades and employment in regional economies
• Offering accredited training and apprenticeship opportunities
• Partnering with UK-based coating manufacturers for sustainable procurement
• Promoting responsible environmental practices across worksites

Marine and Industrial Maintenance Services FAQs

What does a marine painting contractor do?

A marine painting contractor specialises in applying protective coatings to ships and marine structures. This includes surface preparation, corrosion control, and the application of specialist marine-grade coatings designed to withstand harsh sea conditions. These services are essential to prolong vessel life and comply with safety regulations.

How often should ship painting and maintenance be carried out?

Ship maintenance and repair, including ship painting, should follow a schedule based on the vessel’s operating environment and class regulations. Typically, vessels require repainting or inspection every 2–5 years, but regular touch-ups and checks are crucial to prevent corrosion and minimise long-term repair costs.

What services are included in marine maintenance?

Marine maintenance services encompass a broad range of works including hull cleaning, ship painting, corrosion protection, mechanical repairs, blasting, and coating reapplication. These services are delivered in drydock, at port, or by onboard riding crews depending on vessel availability and operational requirements.

What makes Bell different from other ship maintenance companies?

Unlike many ship maintenance companies, Bell provides fully tailored services through a dedicated Marine Branch with over 20 years of experience. Our in-house teams, supplier partnerships, and mobile workforce allow us to deliver comprehensive marine maintenance nationwide – safely and efficiently.

What qualifications do your ship painters hold?

Our ship painting teams are highly trained and hold accreditations including CSCS, IPAF, PASMA, and Confined Spaces. Many of our operatives have completed supplier-led training for coatings from Akzo Nobel, PPG Sigma, Jotun, and Hempel – key certifications in ship painting companies.