From Graduate to Project Engineer
James’ Journey at Harlyn

T3200 Mobilisation – Foundation of Practical Engineering

One of James’ first major assignments was the T3200 mobilisation. After contributing to the initial engineering and calculations, he was deployed to site, working night shifts on a 24-hour operation. His responsibilities included:

• Overseeing works against drawings and engineering calculations
• Supervising lifting operations using port and vessel cranes
• Supporting load testing activities
• Managing a team of welders
• Acting as the primary point of contact during mobilisation activities

Towards the end of the mobilisation, James was entrusted to run shifts independently—leading a large team and coordinating critical operations. This marked a key milestone in his confidence, leadership, and practical engineering capability.

Takoradi – Global Exposure:

James supported the load-out of eight cable reels destined for Ghana, gaining valuable experience in international logistics, mobilisation, and site operations.

Pulcea – Assembly & Installation:

He contributed to the planning and onsite execution of a noise-reduction frame designed to minimise piling noise at sea. This exposed him to environmental engineering considerations and specialist offshore equipment assembly.

VMS – Structural & Stability Engineering:

James carried out extensive pontoon stability and structural strength assessments, including calculations for a 25Te excavator installing sheet piles in a river canal—strengthening his analytical and naval architecture skills.

Moray West – Cable Spooling & Transport:

As part of the Moray West project, James attended site for the spooling of subsea cable into a Harlyn-designed basket and its RoRo transport using SPMTs between Hartlepool and Blyth. This furthered his understanding of dynamic operations, vessel interface, and heavy transport engineering.

A key area of development for James has been the design, optimisation, and structural analysis of subsea cable baskets. His work contributed to a large-scale, globally significant project moving cable across international waters—from one side of the world to the other.

Through this, James:

• Applied advanced mechanical and structural principles
• Optimised designs for strength, efficiency, and manufacturability
• Supported both office-based engineering and on-site execution
• Became a technical go-to for cable basket knowledge within the team

This project showcased his transition from supporting engineer to lead designer—demonstrating innovation, ownership, and technical maturity.

From day one, James was paired with an experienced mentor who helped accelerate his development. Combined with support from the wider team, this allowed him to quickly build confidence, capability, and industry understanding. He has since progressed into a role where he mentors junior engineers informally, passing on the knowledge he once received.

To support his engineering responsibilities, James has completed:

• Forklift Operator Training
• MEWP (3A + 3B) Certification
• Gantry Crane Operator Course

These qualifications have enabled him to operate safely and effectively on site, and strengthened his versatility within project teams.

From graduate to global project engineer, James has:

• Designed real-world engineering solutions
• Led site operations and teams
Travelled internationally to support major projects
• Specialised in cable basket and structural systems
Integrated mechanical, marine, and naval architecture principles

• Seeing his own engineering work executed during the T3200 mobilisation
• Being trusted to run shifts independently early in his career
• Developing specialist expertise in cable basket design for a global project
• Applying his degree while expanding into marine engineering disciplines

James’ journey reflects Harlyn’s commitment to developing young engineers through real responsibility, mentorship, and exposure to high-impact projects. In just a few years, he has transformed from a new graduate into a confident, capable engineer contributing to complex international operations—proving himself a valuable asset to the company and the wider industry.