J.W. Automarine (JWA)

J.W. Automarine (JWA) is the world’s premier manufacturer of underwater lift bags and proof load testing systems. Founded in 1972, the company has spent over 50 years setting the benchmark for marine buoyancy. Based in Fakenham, Norfolk (UK), JWA has grown from a pioneer in salvage technology to a global leader, with its “distinctive yellow bags” serving as a recognized symbol of quality and safety in ports and offshore fields around the world.

As a specialist in fabric engineering, JWA offers a comprehensive range of buoyancy solutions, including open-bottom parachute bags, totally enclosed cylindrical bags, and pontoon systems. Their manufacturing process is particularly noteworthy for its use of Radio Frequency (RF) welding technology. Unlike glued alternatives, JWA’s RF-welded seams create a bond as strong as the material itself, ensuring that their high-tenacity PVC and polyurethane fabrics can withstand the immense pressures and rough handling typical of subsea salvage operations.

In addition to underwater lifting, JWA is the industry authority on Water Weight load testing. They manufacture a wide array of water-filled bags used to test the safe working load (SWL) of cranes, davits, and lifeboats. These systems offer a safer and more logistical efficient alternative to solid weights, allowing operators to verify the integrity of lifting equipment in remote offshore locations without transporting heavy steel or concrete blocks.