The Pembrokeshire, UK boat building company and Seawork International 2017 exhibitor Mainstay Marine Solutions has won a £5.8m contract to build two new Welsh fisheries patrol vessels.
Mainstay was awarded the contract by the Welsh government after a competitive international bidding process. The company will deliver a 26m Monohull Patrol Vessel, for South Fisheries and a 19m Catamaran Patrol Vessel, for North Fisheries.
The new vessels will replace the current ageing boats, to effectively protect from illegal fishing activity in Welsh waters and safeguard Wales’ fishing industry and coastal communities in the years ahead.
Stewart Graves, Managing Director of Mainstay Marine, said: “Mainstay Marine Solutions are continuing to grow and win new business and are delighted to have won the contract to deliver these two vessels. Two things are fundamental to our success. The first is our workforce with its comprehensive range of skills and its pride in safely delivering high quality products. The second, is the excellent support we have received from the Welsh Government, Finance Wales, and Milford Haven Port Authority.
“Mainstay Marine won these contracts against significant international competition, it is a great message of confidence in the business and demonstrates the competitiveness of our thriving Welsh Design and Build Shipyard.”
Since its inception in 2014, Mainstay Marine has safeguarded 30 jobs and created 50 new positions, with 98% of its employees based in Pembrokeshire. The company also employs 10% of its direct workforce as apprentices.
The awarding of the contract to Mainstay Marine Solutions follows a European-wide competitive procurement exercise. The replacement vessels are expected to be in service by Autumn 2018. They will be built in Wales and provide skilled employment in Pembrokeshire.
Visit Mainstay Marine Solutions at Seawork International 2017 on stand PY105.
By Jake Frith
