New company to build catamarans for offshore wind industry

Yard News - November 3, 2009

The Gardline Group in the UK has recently formed a brand new company to support the fast growing energy and renewables market: Alicat Workboats Limited.

Alicat Workboats Limited (ACWL), a provider of aluminium vessels and repair specialist, plans to position itself as a major aluminium boatbuilding/repair and service company.

Following extensive market research by Gardline Environmental and Richards Dry Dock and Engineering (RDDE), Global Marine Design (GMD) based in Perth, Australia was identified as a market leader in the design of specialist vessels. Subsequently, Gardline has confirmed Alicat's first order for two 20m catamarans.

Plans to run both builds simultaneously are already underway and the new vessels, which will join Gardline's existing coastal fleet, will target the fast growing renewables market. Both vessels should be completed between 7-12 months.

Alicat, a sister company of Gardline’s established drydock and engineering business, Richards has also announced that it has appointed Steve Thacker as General Manager. He will work closely with Richards’ General Manager Simon Coote to develop the Alicat’s business further. Subsequently, Alicat has appointed Simon its Business Consultant.

"GMS is well established within the aluminium boat building market with over 200 boats already designed and tested. This is a fantastic opportunity for Alicat Workboats to tap into this emerging market and have the ability to produce our own vessels from here in Great Yarmouth. Traditionally, RDDE is well known for its steel work, but we are excited about the prospects of this new company and business venture. I very much look forward to working with Global Marine Design and Gardline Environmental and remain extremely positive about the future of Alicat Workboats".