2017 Nov Dec Marina World

Marine
industry
report reveals
continued
growth in
sector
UK: A newly released British Marine
report reveals that the UK’s marinas
and moorings sector has enjoyed
a fifth consecutive year of growth,
with a combined revenue of £222
million (up 0.3% on 2015). The sector
offers full-time work to nearly 3,000
employees.
Berth occupancy is reported to be
at its highest levels since 2013, with
both inland and coastal marinas at 88%
capacity.
The report suggests that “innovative
business thinking” is contributing to
industry optimism and helping to tackle
some of the challenges facing the
sector and the wider marine industry.
Challenges include an ageing market
and the low value of sterling, which has
seen inland marinas and moorings offer
more residential berths, and coastal
marinas invest in drystack storage and
facilities for smaller boats.
The Marinas and Moorings Market
in the UK report, produced as a free of
charge British Marine member benefit,
provides a detailed picture of both the
coastal and inland sectors.
Oban opens new
north pier pontoons
UK: A £2.5 million transit berthing facility comprising 15 finger berth pontoons,
three hammer heads and 12 fully served floating concrete breakwaters is now
open in Oban on the west coast of Scotland. The project was managed and
delivered by Gael Force Marinas and Pontoons.
Work on a £1.6 million maritime
visitor facility is ongoing and is
scheduled to be completed later in this
year. It will provide a harbourmaster’s
office, toilets, showers, lockers and a
changing area, as well as commercial
space for rent.
Gael Force production director,
Stephen Offord, said: “We are delighted
to have led this project as main contractor
from start to finish and are immensely
proud of the achievement. Through close
teamwork with the Council and subcontractors
we were able to overcome
some challenges with ease and the
fantastic outcome is there for all to see.”
WORLD NEWS
Councillor Aileen Morton, leader of
the local Argyll and Bute Council, said:
“I am so pleased to say that we are
now able to welcome kayakers, yachts,
cruise ships and tour operators. The
finger-berth pontoons and concrete
floating breakwater are now capable of
providing excellent flexible short-stay
capacity and make it easier for marine
visitors to come to Oban.”
Financed by Argyll and Bute Council,
the Scottish Government and Highlands
and Islands Enterprise, it is estimated
that the pontoons will benefit the local
economy to the tune of £25 million over
20 years.
Premier announces infrastructure investment
UK: Premier Marinas has earmarked £7.5 million for the start of a £75 million project to redevelop Noss on Dart
Marina, which it acquired in 2016.
The project commences with the
rebuild and expansion of the marina
to include 232 berths, a new boatyard,
hard standing for up to 100 boats and
a drystack. The plan also contains
provision for new marina facilities, a
new marina reception, 21 offices and
workshops for marine services and a
new home for South Devon College’s
marine trades courses. The planning
application also provides for a 50-room
hotel, two restaurants, a spa and 39
residential units.
The company also intends to spend
£480,000 reconfiguring a third of
the mooring system at Port Solent,
Portsmouth, for boats up to 33m
(108ft). The new berths will offer
boaters wider fairways and upgraded
walkways and pontoons.
Premier Marinas will invest over £11
million in its marinas over the coming
12 months. The company owns and
operates nine marinas along the
English south coast and is part of The
Wellcome Trust, a global charitable
foundation.
www.marinaworld.com - November/December 2017 9