More than £5 million raised for the dry dock
An overhaul of the dry dock gates, a new pumping system, two assembly bays and new cranes are all features of a refurbishment, and upgrade, of facilities at Penzance Dry Dock.
The work’s taken place thanks to the successful raising of £5.3 million. The money’s regenerated the site which was rescued by Linked Solutions SW Ltd, led by former Royal Navy marine engineer Jamie Murphy.
‘We’re really proud of the transformation that has taken place in the last four years. We’ve not only secured the dry dock facilities, but we’ll also soon be in a position to start providing shipbuilding services,’ says Jamie.
‘We’re extremely grateful to all those that believed in our vision for the site and have supported us in our journey so far. Penzance has over 200 years of heritage in the marine engineering sector and we’re proud to be propelling it into the next chapter.’
The investment raised includes £2 million from Cornwall Council, via the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
‘I have supported Penzance Dry Dock for years. The owners are quite rightly proud of its heritage and what it can do for the future of the marine sector in West Cornwall,’ explains Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council.
‘There are real opportunities for Cornwall in supporting the UK’s defence sector and Floating Offshore Wind.’
Delivering jobs and opportunities
‘Our Good Growth investment in Penzance Dry Dock is a sign that we think it can deliver jobs and opportunities not just for Penzance but Cornwall as a whole.’
Experts say the investment means the dock will soon be able to offer shipbuilding services alongside repair and refurbishment work.
They add that being able to build ships side by side with repair will make Penzance Dry Dock a ‘unique facility in the UK small to medium-sized ship building market.’
Penzance Dry Dock is seen as being well-placed to build multiple hulls simultaneously.
The result of this type of work should help to ensure the Floating Offshore Wind sector maintains enough vessels required for its operations. Penzance has been home to a dry dock since 1810.