The Willdiscover, which arrived at Williams Shipping’s Southampton marine base and quayside earlier this month (August 2025), features the latest marine technologies, including an A-frame and plough. The new vessel joins Williams Shipping extensive fleet and will be in operational service immediately.

The contract to secure the new EuroCarrier was officially signed at Seawork 2025, Europe’s largest commercial marine exhibition, in the presence of Williams Shipping Chairman Eric Williams, Managing Director of Marine Philip Williams, Marine Operations Director Richard Brooks, and Shipyard Owner and Managing Director of Neptune Marine Martin de Kok.

This is the third EuroCarrier built by Neptune Marine for Williams Shipping. The company previously welcomed Willchallenge in 2021. Whilst the two share a similar appearance, Willdiscover is beamier and longer, and with a more powerful bollard pull of 24 tons.

Richard Brooks, Marine Operations Director, commented:

“Williams Shipping remains committed to investing in modern, high-specification assets to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable marine services. Willdiscover reflects our ongoing strategy to upgrade our fleet with innovative and future-ready vessels that support client demands across diverse marine operations.”

As part of the company’s 131-year heritage, the naming of new vessels is a valued tradition, which included staff participation. The name Willdiscover was independently proposed by David Nightingale, General Manager of Logistics, and Chris Goddard Crawley, Marine Skipper. Following a review by the Board of Directors, the name was unanimously selected as the preferred choice. In line with company tradition, Willdiscover will be officially christened at a dedicated ceremony in September.

Philip Williams, Managing Director of Marine, added:

“We are looking forward to bringing Willdiscover into operational service. The vessel significantly enhances our fleet’s capabilities and contributes to our continued growth in the marine sector. Preserving our heritage through traditions such as vessel naming remains important to us, and we are proud to involve our team in that legacy.”