Welcome to Rope & Marine services Ltd (RAMS)

Established in 1948 we are proud to have been offering lifting equipment hire, sales, repair, test and manufacture throughout London and the South East for over 60 years.

Our business principals are simple, to be a secure part of our customers supply chain by supplying the right equipment, in the proper condition, to the right place, at the right time.

Two vans with 'RAMS' branding parked in a lot with construction equipment in the background.

Your Trusted Partner for Lifting Equipment - Expert Knowledge. Reliable Service. Quality You Can Trust.

At Rope & Marine Services Ltd, our people are our greatest asset. We have built a highly skilled team with unmatched experience in the lifting equipment industry. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are committed to building strong, long-term relationships with customers, suppliers and employees — relationships based on trust, expertise and excellent service.

Our competitive advantage comes from decades of industry experience, extensive supplier connections, and a deep understanding of what our customers need. We provide practical, safe and forward-thinking lifting solutions tailored to every requirement.

As approved agents and stockists for leading global brands in lifting, handling and height safety equipment, we offer a wide selection of high-quality products and professional services from our large London depot. Our comprehensive fleet of hire equipment is maintained to the highest standards. Every item undergoes rigorous inspection, repair, testing, certification and detailed record-keeping in accordance with LOLER and industry regulations. All work is carried out by our fully trained and experienced engineering team within our on-site workshops.

Conveniently located approximately 2km east of the City of London, just off the A13 Commercial Road and only 250 metres from the northern entrance to the Rotherhithe Tunnel, we provide easy access for customers across London and beyond. A secure visitor and employee parking compound is situated alongside the main office entrance.

Achilles UVDB

LEEA

Construction Online

FORS

BSI

CHSG

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association of Great Britain (LEEA)

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is the leading global authority on lifting equipment. Membership demonstrates that we meet the industry’s highest standards for the testing, inspection, maintenance, and management of lifting equipment. Being part of LEEA shows our dedication to safety, technical excellence, and full regulatory compliance.

Fleet Operation Recognition Scheme (FORS)

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a nationally recognised accreditation that promotes safer, greener, and more efficient fleet operations. Our FORS certification confirms that our vehicle fleet meets rigorous requirements for safety, environmental impact, and operational performance, ensuring we follow best practice across all transport activities.

Achilles UVDB Verified

Achilles UVDB is a leading pre-qualification system used by utilities companies across the UK to ensure suppliers meet strict standards. Our registration with Achilles UVDB demonstrates that we have robust procedures for health and safety, quality management, and risk control, allowing us to work with major utility providers and infrastructure organisations.

Constructionline

Constructionline is a UK-wide procurement and certification scheme that pre-qualifies contractors and suppliers to meet government and industry standards. Being approved by Constructionline demonstrates that our business meets essential criteria in areas such as health and safety, financial reliability, and regulatory compliance—making it easier for clients to work with us confidently.

A Proud Heritage in Lifting Equipment — Since 1948

Rope & Marine Services Ltd was founded in 1948 by Alan Edwards shortly after World War II. Originally started with a business partner, Alan became the sole owner in 1957, establishing the strong foundations of the company we are proud of today.

Alan Edwards brought exceptional expertise, resilience, and leadership to the business following his remarkable service in the Royal Air Force during WW2. After training in Canada, he flew Spitfires over North Africa and Europe. In October 1943, his aircraft was shot down over Northern France. Despite severe injuries, he survived the crash and was held as a prisoner of war for the remainder of the conflict. Several escape attempts were made, and eventually his POW camp was liberated. He then made his way back to Allied forces and home.

Today, Rope & Marine Services Ltd continues to build on Alan’s legacy — delivering trusted lifting equipment, testing services, and bespoke lifting equipment solutions across the UK with the same resilience and commitment that started it all.

Our Original Home on the River Thames

Rope & Marine Services Ltd first began operations at Free Trade Wharf on the River Thames — a location once central to London’s thriving marine and dock industries. Although the site has since been transformed into luxury riverside apartments near the eastern entrance of the Limehouse Link tunnel, its importance to our history remains.

In the early years, our business specialised in supplying high-quality steel wire ropes and fibre ropes to the marine sector. At that time, the Thames supported extensive jetty operations, lighterage, and dredging services. Major customers included the Port of London Authority, London Docks, and Tilbury Docks — key commercial hubs until the rise of containerisation reduced demand for traditional stevedoring and cargo handling.

As marine trade declined, new opportunities emerged. The construction and pipeline industries began to grow rapidly, creating a need for advanced lifting and handling solutions. Rope & Marine Services Ltd responded by expanding its expertise and product offering.

We diversified into supplying a comprehensive range of lifting equipment and accessories, including: Steel wire ropes & fibre ropes, Chains, hooks, shackles & slings. Manual and powered hoists along with Bespoke lifting systems and accessories.

To support our customers across the UK, we also developed in-house services such as: Lifting equipment testing & inspection (LOLER), Repairs and refurbishment and Engineering & fabrication solutions.

Today, our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation continues — keeping our customers operating efficiently across marine, construction, engineering, and industrial sectors.

Expanding Our Presence in London’s Industrial Heart

In the late 1960s, Rope & Marine Services Ltd relocated to its current site on Yorkshire Road, E14. Over the years, the company acquired additional surrounding land, enabling us to expand into the substantial island site we operate from today, bordered by Yorkshire Road, Salmon Lane, Raby Street and Chaseley Street. We further enhanced our facilities by developing a secure car park compound directly opposite the main works to support our growing team and customer operations.

Rope & Marine Services Ltd has proudly played a vital role in many of London’s most significant construction and engineering developments. Our expertise, reliability and high-quality lifting and handling solutions have supported landmark projects including the Thames Barrier, the Jubilee Line Extension, the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome), Wembley Stadium, the London 2012 Olympic Games, Crossrail/Elizabeth Line and London Gateway Port. These achievements demonstrate our long-standing commitment to delivering excellence on complex, large-scale infrastructure works.

As our business has grown, so too has the range of sectors we support. Today, our customers include rail and train operators, utilities providers, civil engineering and construction firms, theatre and entertainment professionals, aerospace companies, lifts and escalator specialists, marine and lighterage operators, waste management businesses and industrial rope access organisations. From heavy lifting operations to precision handling equipment, we deliver trusted products and technical services that keep critical industries running safely and efficiently.

Continued Growth and Innovation

Driven by customer demand and industry expansion, Rope & Marine Services Ltd has developed an extensive fleet of lifting and jacking equipment available for hire across the UK. Our rental offering includes a wide range of high-quality lifting gear, specialist accessories, and bespoke equipment designed and manufactured in-house. Today, equipment hire represents a growing and highly valued part of our business, supporting construction, engineering, marine and industrial sectors with flexible, cost-effective solutions.

As a proudly independent, family-owned company — still run by the Edwards family — we continue to invest in our capabilities, technology and workforce. In 2023, we proudly celebrated our 75th anniversary, marking decades of trusted service, innovation and commitment to safe lifting operations.