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16.
October
2018.
Official launch for first boat out of Parkol Marine’s Middlesbrough yard
 NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday October 16, 2018

 

Official launch for first boat out of Parkol Marine’s Middlesbrough yard

 

Fishermen from near and far gathered recently at Parkol Marine Engineering’s Whitby headquarters for the naming ceremony of the first vessel to come out of the esteemed boat-builder’s new Middlesbrough yard.

The Atlantic Dawn scalloper, owned by James Monaghan of Islay Crab Exports based on the Scottish Isle of Islay, enjoyed a traditional maritime naming ceremony where she was blessed by Father Michael Gobbett and named by James’ daughter Kayleigh.

She was due to undergo sea trials before starting work fishing for scallops in the English Channel until Christmas, when she will then join the rest of James’ fleet in the Irish Sea.

Parkol, which was established in Whitby in 1971 and now has a reputation as one of the leading boat manufacturers in the UK, opened its Middlesbrough yard in October 2017 to increase its capacity for building larger boats and satisfy the growing demand for new bespoke fishing vessels. The Atlantic Dawn is the first project to be completed at the new fabrication facility, which boasts the capability for keel to mast construction and fit-out entirely under cover – a rarity in the UK.

Sally Atkinson, Parkol Director and Project Manager, said: “This is the first time we’ve worked with James and we were thrilled to win the order. It was a pleasure to build the Atlantic Dawn and we were really pleased to be able to complete it two-and-a-half months ahead of schedule.”

James Monaghan was so impressed with Parkol’s service, he says he wouldn’t bother looking elsewhere should he require another boat in the future. “Absolutely everything was A1, I couldn’t have asked for more,” he said. “The workmanship was fantastic, it’s the best I’ve ever experienced. They are a family-run business and the personal touch was evident every step of the way.

“The yard is an incredible place, the facilities are just amazing. I’m not planning on building another new boat anytime soon but if I was, Parkol would be my first and only choice.”

Established in 1985, Islay Crab Exports is a family-run business specialising in the supply of high quality and mainly locally caught live velvet, green, spider and brown crabs, winkles and scallop meat throughout Europe.

James wanted to add a new, bigger boat to his existing fleet that would be able to cope well with the rough seas and stormy weather that can batter the Scottish islands and coastline. Atlantic Dawn is 20.30 metres long with a 20,000 litre fuel capacity and a 4000 litre fresh water capacity. Its fishroom has capacity for 600 38kg bags and its ice locker can hold three tonnes of ice.

He added: “Fuel efficiency is very important to us as she’s working 24/7 and landing every five or six days. She has a top speed of around 12 knots and we’re confident she will perform brilliantly at sea.”

Parkol’s expansion is an important new chapter in the life of the company. The Middlesbrough fabrication hall measures 70 metres by 35 metres by 40m high, with four boat-building berths that can accommodate new builds up to 40 metres long and 10 metre beam. There are also three overhead gantry cranes each with 20T lifting capacity which provides good flexibility with regards to vessel sub-assemblies. Vessels can be built fully undercover up to mast level, fully out-fitted, shot-blasted and painted in the hall ready for load-out and sail away.

Sally added: ““The new yard is already proving a massive asset to the business, the order book is healthy and we’re looking forward to constructing more vessels there in 2019.”

Parkol’s highly skilled team design, build, repair and maintain every type of steel, aluminium and wood-hulled vessels, providing bespoke solutions that meet the individual needs of every client. To contact them, email info@parkol.co.uk or call (01947) 602669.

 

ENDS

 

Photos: Atlantic Dawn; James Monaghan and his daughter Kayleigh at the naming ceremony

 

Please contact Tracy Fletcher of By Tracy Fletcher Limited PR if you have any questions or interview requests related to this media release, via 07983 633385 or tracy@bytracyfletcher.com