Part of the Nene Waterfront Regeneration Project, the boatlift will allow the inspection, maintenance and repair of boats up to 24m LOA. This is the first time that Wisbech has had such a facility and will compliment not only the new yacht harbour and the proposed Fens waterway link but will also provide a vitl resource for larger fishing vessels and small commercial craft such as Wisbech’s own harbour tug ‘Fenlander’.

Previously, even in the case of an emergency, Hull was the only practicable option for such boats. Nuttall John Martin were the marine civils contractors for the project, hich was built from the land side. Works began in April 2006 and were completed in April.

Wisbech Harbour Master is pleased with the new capability, saying, ‘Being able to launch and recover on demand on our own doorstep is of great value not only to Wisbech Port, but to other major operators.

‘Further proposals for the scheme include negotiations on a redundant slipway to the north, with a view to re-commissioning it, which will enable work on even larger vessels than the boat hoist can accommodate. Hopefully, we can handle up to 200 tons.’