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Arklow Marine Services has officially launched its first
vessel designed and built specifically for export to service
offshore wind farms in the UK.
The new 20-metre aluminium catamaran cost £1.7m and
created 10 new jobs during the build and fit-out.
The development of the innovative vessel was part-financed
by Enterprise Ireland's R & D Fund. A second vessel is
currently under construction at the yard and is due for delivery
in July 2012, again for the export market.
Arklow
Marine Services is a fifth-generation family business
established in Arklow in 1864 and today is under the directorship
of Naval Architect Mr. Billy Tyrrell and Marine Engineer Mr.
John Tyrrell. The company's core business is the design and
construction of aluminium and steel boats such as passenger
ferries, trawlers and bespoke designs such as amphibious vehicles.
The company embarked on the innovative design when it secured
a contract with UK-based Gardline Shipping. The need for new
generation vessels for offshore wind farms arose from the
awarding of 9 offshore wind farm sites in UK coastal waters
in January 2010.
The United Kingdom is set to invest over £160 billion
over the next thirty years in developing their offshore wind
energy resources. Industry sources estimate that up to €30
billion of investment in Irish offshore wind farms is also
possible.
Following the launch, Arklow Marine Services are ideally
positioned to capitalise on this rapidly developing market,
the company said.
Launching the vessel, Billy Tyrrell said - "Today's launch
is an important milestone for our company. This innovative
vessel is a superior product which required the development
of new shipbuilding processes in our company.
"Building this vessel has taken our business to a new
level. Launching the vessel enhances our reputation as a design-led
manufacturer of quality vessels and positions us to win valuable
business both at home and the UK and mainland Europe. This
could not have been delivered without the welcome support
of Enterprise Ireland."
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