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Displaying items by tag: Steelcutting

A steel-cutting ceremony for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s new state of the art hybrid powered vessel, which is to serve off Scotland and the Isle of Man, took place in a Spanish shipyard, Astilleros Gondán S.A.

Phil Day, Director of Operations with the Northern Lighthouse Board said: “The steel cutting ceremony is an important milestone as it marks the moment when production starts on the build of the new Pole Star, following an intensive 10-month period of detailed design work.

“Using new technology to minimise the impact on the environment and with additional capability to help deal with the effects of Climate Change, the new ship will ensure we can continue to deliver our vital safety service in Scottish and Manx waters into the 2050s.”

As Afloat previously reported the £51.8m newbuild is to enter service in Summer 2025 and will meet the ambitious environmental targets set out in the UK Government Clean Maritime Plan, whilst future proofing the Northern Lighthouse Board’s ability to deliver its vital safety services over the next 25 years.

NLB representatives Director of Operations, Phil Day and Technical Manager, Graham Moffat were also present at the event on Friday, 23 October, in a day that celebrated the exciting milestone.

The NLB is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) which is responsible for aids to navigation in the waters around Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Published in Lighthouses

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.