10:33am Monday 29th June 2009
A SOUTHAMPTON based ship repairer has launched a new 1,000 tonne lift facility.
Testbank Ship Repair and partners Trafalgar Wharf unveiled the Rolls-Royce syncrolift, one of the biggest of its kind in the south, at a cable cutting ceremony.
Guests watched as the hull of the Serco Denholm vessel, Teesdale, was given a six-metre vertical lift for repairs and inspection in Portsmouth Harbour.
Testbank managing director Jason Coltman said the lift had been brought back into use after a period spent out of commission and is capable of handling a wide range of contracts including superyachts, pilot boats, tugs, commercial ferries and naval vessels.
Mr Coltman said: “Before having the ship lift facility we were compelled to use other companies to slip our clients’ vessels, but now we can be a one-stop shop for complete projects at our own location.”
Trafalgar Wharf has been developing the ex-Vosper Thornycroft location in Portsmouth harbour since last September. Testbank Ship Repair, which has its head office in Southampton’s Western Docks, has a £7m turnover and employs 65 permanent staff.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk