This expansion has been in addition to the extensive refurbishment and modification of one of their existing 30m pontoons MCS 6, (for use as a dredging pontoon), and self-propelled hopper barge Hop which was completed in early December 2002.

The outlook is reported to be very promising, according to managing director Jeremy Jenkins, who said the company has benefited enormously through the development of their civil engineering capability.

"It has complemented our core business of vessel charter and yielded a number of lucrative long-term contracts, providing a sense of stability to this notoriously volatile industry', he said.

Jenkins are now seeking to enlarge their workforce to cope with this increased demand.

MJ Information No: 17702