Displaying items by tag: Appledore to Close

2nd November 2018

UK Appledore Shipyard to Shut Putting 200 Jobs at Risk

The UK shipyard at Appledore that built LE George Bernard Shaw AFLOAT adds would appear to be the last ship constructed at the Babcock facility in north Devon, which is to close within the next five months. Note: On the quayside to the right is the mainmast of the Irish Naval Service newbuild OPV90/P50 class where a quartet were completed at the yard.

#Ports&Shipping- The UK shipyard (that built LÉ George Bernard Shaw) is to shut despite its owner being offered a £60m contract by the MoD.

Staff at Appledore Shipyard in Devon reports BBC News have been told by owner Babcock that it will close by the end of March 2019.

The company recently lost a contract with the Armed Forces of Malta, causing financial difficulties.

Babcock said all 199 workers will be offered a move to Devonport Dockyard, also owned by the firm, 45 miles (72km) away.

'We want answers'

The GMB union said it wanted answers from the government and from Babcock about the £60m package which would have offered extra work at Devonport.

Babcock had said the extra work would not be enough to secure Appledore's future, see related report.

Some Appledore staff had been temporarily redeployed to Devonport since the news of the lost contract came through.

For more on "Save Appledore Shipyard" petition and a brief history of the facility dating to 1855, click here.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.