Two proposed windfarms will see nearly 400 turbines sited off the Kent coast, one of which will be the world’s largest such installation. It is hoped locally that Ramsgate will become the base for the construction phase bringing a significant number of large and small craft to the area.

The new owner explained his priorities for the business, saying ‘The yard dates back to 1839 and we have adopted the original name for the new business. Being centrally located in the town we are anxious to demonstrate our commitment to the environment, we are part of the local community after all’. He also spoke realistically about the expectations of potential clients, adding, Getting customers is one thing, keeping them is another matter and our priority is very much customer care. We have had a positive response from both our previous and potential new customers and plan to renovate two of the smaller slipways to offer a better facility for smaller vessels’.

David Hawkins is also UK business development director for Marine Exhaust Solutions Inc. a Canadian company producing new technology in sulphur scrubbing in the form of an EcoSilencer aimed at reducing emissions as per Marpol Annex 4 regulations. He sees additional potential for promoting this product as environmental considerations are an increasingly important feature of marine operations.

At the end of 2006 the barque Julia was occupying number one slipway for a sale slipping and other minor work.

By Peter Barker