European Funding Supports Award Winning Shipyard

Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth has won two prestigious national awards for cutting edge development work that was partially funded by European Regional Development Funds (ERDF).

The two awards came from the British Construction Industry and the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors.  Both awarded Pendennis with a Highly Commended certificate for the bold construction and infrastructure work that has been recently completed following serval years in operation.  The projects to develop the facilities at Pendennis keep them at the forefront of international marine technology, a major strength of Cornwall’s growing, commercial opportunities.

The famous shipyard began operation 28 years ago when the marine industry looked very different.  The average size of a superyacht was 30-40m and Pendennis’ portfolio mainly included sailing boats.  Now however, thanks to engineering developments the average boat now seen at Pendennis is 50-60m with the largest being a huge 85.6m in length.  The scale of them requires specialist facilities to ensure all maintenance and refurbishment work completed is of the finest quality.

To provide this outstanding service the redevelopment work has seen the construction of new “halls” which provides capacity to work on up to six vessels at any time.  Alongside this is a hoist capable of moving boats of up to 640 tonnes around the new facilities.

In addition to the three new construction halls and pre-existing 150m dry dock, a “wet basin” has been created.  This facility, which is kept at high tide levels to allow easy access for boats up to 100m waiting to access the site, means no more waiting on moorings in the middle of the River Fal.  Crews can be just a short walk from the town rather than having to use smaller tender boats and the Pendennis tradespeople have direct access to the boats at the beginning and end of their yard refit periods.

The whole investment has made the business more efficient, ensured job security and created around 20 new full time, highly skilled jobs.  Pendennis Shipyard now employs 380 contract staff.  During its peak season in spring as boats are prepared for the summer season, Pendennis can see over 500 tradespeople working on site.

Mike Carr, Managing Director at Pendennis, said, “Our new bespoke-built superyacht facilities have ensured that the company remains at the forefront of the superyacht industry. We are delighted that the hard work of the team that created these imposing buildings over the past four years has been recognised at these national awards.”

Julian German said, “I am really pleased that European funding has been used to help Pendennis Shipyard grow and create more, well paid jobs. The right support for our businesses provides real benefits for Cornish residents. I congratulate Pendennis on their vision and their continued apprenticeship programme.”

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Notes to editor

Pendennis Shipyard

PendennisShipyard cares passionately about yachts. Each motor or sailing yacht worked on has its own persona and individual style, with pride and passion taken in delivering every element of a new yacht to the highest in build quality, engineering excellence and performance efficiency.

Operating in the 30-100m market, meeting the specific needs of each client is of paramount importance, and Pendennis works hard to develop partnerships that will be long-lasting and productive.

For more information visit www.pendennis.com or call 01326 211344

European Regional Development Fund

The project has received £7.63 million of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Convergence Programme 2007-2013.  The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding