About us
Who is DR Group
WHO ARE WE?
As the operator of the largest independent fleet of specialist guard vessels in the UK, we are
proud to provide some of the best vessels, people, tech and operating procedures to deliver
offshore guard and support vessel contracts in Europe. A full-time guard vessel operator we
develop our own cutting edge technology, innovative operating models and systems in order
to deliver contracts seamlessly and efficiently.
DR | Dependable & Reliable
Vessels and engineering you can depend on. People and technology you can rely on.
To maintain our market-leading position we need to provide an outstanding service to our
clients no matter what variables we have to contend with during our offshore work, such as
adverse weather conditions, crew illnesses, mechanical faults, rogue vessels within our Guard
Zones, project over-runs and so forth. By owning our own vessels, workshops, and
technology, whilst maintaining a team of highly trained guard vessel specialists, we can
deliver a first-class uninterrupted service to the standards that the energy giants, utility
companies and key stakeholders demand of us.
No matter what issues come our way. With damage repairs to submarine cables potentially costing tens of millions and live offshore projects running at millions per day, we recognise the valuable role we need to play to ensure subsea assets are protected professionally and effectively.
No matter what issues come our way. With damage repairs to submarine cables potentially costing tens of millions and live offshore projects running at millions per day, we recognise the valuable role we need to play to ensure subsea assets are protected professionally and effectively.
Our specialist vessels are adapted
for purpose and part of a fleet with an emergency reserve. Our skippers and crew are dedicated full time to maritime asset protection work. Our tech that supports it all is bespoke
and designed specifically for asset protection.
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Our Team
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The DR Group comprises of
DR Maritime Assets
Provides vessels, Masters, crew and tech our clients can rely on for offshore guard and support contracts. We are developing specialist cutting edge technology and innovative operating models to deliver contracts seamlessly and efficiently.
DR Marine
The workshop of the group. As a Royal Navy trained marine engineer, owner Russ Shepcar oversees the operation of DR Marine in his role as Chief Engineer to ensure that DR’s impeccable reputation as a first class engineering team in the maritime sector is maintained.
The DR story
The story of The DR Group is a journey marked by dedication, skills development, and family values. It all began in 1986 when Russ Shepcar, at the age of 16, embarked on a career in the Royal Navy to be trained as a marine engineer. After five years of service, he left the Navy in 1991 and spent the next six years working globally in the merchant navy, refining his expertise in marine engineering.
In 1997, Russ joined forces with his brother Danny to establish DR Diesel, a marine engineering company based in Scotland. The name “D&R” derived from their initials, and thus DR was born. The brothers worked together, with Danny managing the business in Scotland and Russ contributing to its growth.
An industrial contract in 1999 brought Russ to Ireland, and in 2002, DR Diesel expanded its operations by opening its first workshop in Kilkeel Harbour, the home of Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet. Russ, captivated by the beauty of the Mourne region, decided to make Kilkeel his permanent home. By 2008, he had acquired fishing boats and earned a solid local reputation as a skilled marine engineer.
The expansion continued, and in 2009, Russ ventured into the security sector by acquiring his first guard contract. This marked the beginning of the development of a specialist guard vessel fleet under the new brand DR Boats, utilising the expertise of the DR Diesel engineering team.
The evolution from DR Diesel and DR Boats culminated in the establishment of The DR Group. This restructuring allowed the company to encompass a broader range of services and reflect its diverse operations. Throughout the years, The DR Group has become synonymous with excellence in marine engineering and security services, combining a rich history of maritime expertise with a commitment to family and community values.
In 1997, Russ joined forces with his brother Danny to establish DR Diesel, a marine engineering company based in Scotland. The name “D&R” derived from their initials, and thus DR was born. The brothers worked together, with Danny managing the business in Scotland and Russ contributing to its growth.
An industrial contract in 1999 brought Russ to Ireland, and in 2002, DR Diesel expanded its operations by opening its first workshop in Kilkeel Harbour, the home of Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet. Russ, captivated by the beauty of the Mourne region, decided to make Kilkeel his permanent home. By 2008, he had acquired fishing boats and earned a solid local reputation as a skilled marine engineer.
The expansion continued, and in 2009, Russ ventured into the security sector by acquiring his first guard contract. This marked the beginning of the development of a specialist guard vessel fleet under the new brand DR Boats, utilising the expertise of the DR Diesel engineering team.
The evolution from DR Diesel and DR Boats culminated in the establishment of The DR Group. This restructuring allowed the company to encompass a broader range of services and reflect its diverse operations. Throughout the years, The DR Group has become synonymous with excellence in marine engineering and security services, combining a rich history of maritime expertise with a commitment to family and community values.