Ship repair firm gets a big lift – literally
Portsmouth's reputation as world-leading ship repairer was raised a little higher last week, as a 1,000-ton shiplift whirred into gear.
Testbank Ship Repair, which BusinessWeek reported had moved into Trafalgar Wharf, Portchester, in unveiled its newly-refurbished Rolls Royce syncrolift which had been out of action for the last five years.
The lift is effectively a mechanical dry-dock, hoisting large vessels out of the water for repair, repainting and maintenance.
Guests watched as the hull of the Serco Denholm vessel the Teesdale was given a six-metre vertical lift for repairs and inspection at a cable-cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
Testbank managing director Jason 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.'
It is the latest business to move into the Trafalgar Wharf development in Portchester.
The site is the newly-civilianised reincarnation of the old VT Halmatic site, which has been a historic part of Portsmouth shipbuilding for much of the last century.
It was purchased by entrepreneurs linked to RIB-builder JBT Marine for 10m, and has been attracting boat-builders, engineering firms and yachting maintenance companies since it was first unveiled in September.
Jonny Boys, managing director of Trafalgar Wharf, said: 'Testbank is a fast growing, forward thinking ship repair company.
'Being able to work with the firm is excellent news for us and the site as a whole. Testbank shares in our vision to resurrect this important site for marine uses.'
The 184ft by 45ft platform has a long history at the site, and had been used originally by VT to work on Royal Navy vessels. Testbank Ship Repair is headquartered in Southampton's Western Docks, and employs 65 workers.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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