Peterborough engineers race against the clock to deliver steam turbine

Bosses at Peter Brotherhood, in Papyrus Road, Werrington, feared the Covid-19 pandemic might usher in tight travel restrictions closing UK borders before the giant steam turbine could be shipped for delivery to Asia.

The 26 megawatt turbine is one of two manufactured by the company for Singapore for use on floating platforms for offshore gas drilling.

Austen Adams, divisional managing director for Avingtrans, which owns Peter Brotherhood, said: “Our staff have done a sterling job to get this turbine out on time, especially given the challenges of social distancing.”

He said engineers had been organised into around-the-clock shifts that helped to create more space in the factory to meet social distancing regulations.

He said: “Our concern was with the spread of Covid-19 restrictions on travel and at borders may have left us unable to get these turbines out of the UK.”

Mr Adams said: “The ability to construct these steam turbines is a real niche for Peter Brotherhood. We are the only company in the world to make steam turbines to go on these floating platforms.

“They have to be precise - the turbines have to remain steady - no mean feat when they are on a platform at sea.”

The fallout from coronovirus has forced Peter Brotherhood to furlough 23 of its 151 staff. But the future is bright.

Mr Adams said: “We have a pipeline of future contract opportunities mapped over the next five years.”