Supporting Operations at Depth

It all started with Patrick Higginbottom Senior, a story that goes back to the 1960s, covering three generations and numerous ventures. Upon concluding his military service in 1954, Patrick embarked on a career as a hydraulic systems fitter for the Power Gas Corporation. His insatiable curiosity led him to spend his free time immersed in literature continually learning about hydraulic systems and applications. His dedication and proficiency in hydraulics didn’t go unnoticed, leading to his appointment as a service engineer at Keelavite Hydraulics Ltd and later as a senior service engineer at Vickers Sperry Rand. Although Vickers held him in high regard for his hydraulic expertise, Patrick’s inner entrepreneurial drive inspired him to set up his own company in 1969.

In 1971, while working on container ships, Patrick identified a significant problem. Amidst his duties, he found himself deep in thought, nurturing an idea for a product he would later name Filterpak. Positioned 70 feet below deck on a single-rung ladder in the ship’s bilges, Patrick had the daunting task of changing 400 litres of fluid while at sea. This proved to be both a costly and time-intensive process as the used fluid was typically drained into the bilges and subsequently discarded at sea.

The situation prompted Patrick to conceptualize a compact yet robust offline filtration system that was portable enough to be carried as hand luggage on a plane and small enough to be lowered down narrow access points in the ship. His needs were very specific, and the market at that time offered no suitable solution. Consequently, Patrick developed Filterpak, a unique oil transfer unit neatly housed in a briefcase.

Filterpak was designed to process heavily contaminated fluid and convert it into a high-quality of oil cleanliness. The unit was notably successful in the Shipping, Naval, and Aviation sectors. It was the only machine that passed rigorous tests, achieving the fluid cleanliness standards demanded by ministry inspectors.

1979 Filterpak was sold to Fawcett Christie Hydraulics, but some of the original models remain in service even today.

In parallel with Filterpak, Patrick also invented Pakatanks. These collapsible storage tanks with a 180-litre capacity facilitated temporary oil storage during maintenance activities. Pakatanks had a sturdy pillow-like construction that could be folded into a compact package, granting access to challenging areas and effectively eradicating the need for oil drums.

At Fluid Marine Solutions, we bring together a wealth of generational expertise in specialist hydraulic engineering and ROV operations. Founded by Jamie Higginbottom, our company is dedicated to supporting the subsea industry in achieving greater efficiency, optimizing maintenance, eliminating wasteful practices, maximizing team productivity, and reducing environmental impact.

Jamie’s firsthand experience working in the ROV industry offshore revealed significant inefficiencies in common practices that were often overlooked. While operational productivity was typically the primary focus, maintenance processes received less attention. Recognizing this gap, Jamie began envisioning innovative ideas and potential solutions that could address these issues.

Our mission is clear: to develop a comprehensive range of products that revolutionize ROV operations and maintenance processes, significantly accelerating routine tasks and delivering substantial cost, time, and labour savings.

At the heart of our offerings is our flagship product, SubStation. Designed to embody our ideology, SubStation integrates multifunctional features into a single dynamic system. It enhances operational efficiency and serves as a crucial bridge during the industry’s transition to net-zero emissions.

At Fluid Marine Solutions, we are committed to driving positive change within the subsea industry. We understand that the journey towards all-electric and more sustainable ROVs is a long road, but we are dedicated to playing a pivotal role in this transformation. By embracing cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking approaches, we empower our clients to operate more efficiently, reduce their environmental footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Together, we can pave the way for a subsea industry that embraces renewable energy and implements eco-friendly practices at every step.