What is the Naval Service?

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

Where is the Naval Service based?

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

What does the Naval Service do?

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

When was the Naval Service formed?

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

How many ships are in the Naval Service?

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

What are the Irish Navy ship's names?

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Are Irish Naval Service ships armed?

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

How is the fleet managed and maintained?

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

Who is the head of the Irish Naval Service?

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

What is the Intelligence and Fishery Section of the Irish Naval Service?

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

What is the Fishery Monitoring Centre?

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

How are shore operations managed?

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Does the Naval Service undertake overseas missions?

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

How can I join the Irish Naval Service?

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Are there women in the Naval Service?

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

What is a Naval Service Officer cadet?

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service officer cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

What qualifications are required to become a cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign. The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When can I apply to become a Naval Service cadet?

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Where is the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)?

The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.

What is a Naval Service recruit?

A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.

What qualifications are required to become a Naval Service recruit?

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service recruit?

Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".

What is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) career training?

On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.

What is pay like in the Naval Service?

Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website

Displaying items by tag: Inland and Coastal Marina

18th November 2022

New County Offaly-Built Floating Concrete Breakwater Facilitates Berthing Expansion at Haslar Marina in Gosport

Berthing at boatfolk’s Gosport-based Haslar Marina in the UK is being boosted with the installation of a 70m wave attenuating breakwater in an exposed area of the marina.

As part of this two-phase project, pontoon and water access specialist Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) of County Offaly has designed and manufactured a bespoke floating concrete breakwater to reduce the wave climate in a particularly exposed section of the marina close to the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour.

The first phase is now complete and comprises the installation of two 60-ton 20m x 4m floating concrete breakwater units, carefully orientated to fit within the major reshaping of the marina which also involved realigning the green lightship, a prominent feature in this busy corner of the marina.

Extending the frontage of the marina, the protection this new fully serviced floating breakwater provides will enable Haslar Marina to create 45 new berths in the main part of the marina, as well as act as berthing for larger boats and superyachts.

“Over the last couple of years, as boating has boomed, demand for quality berthing across the UK has increased,” says Jon Challis, Sales Manager at ICMS. “With space tight in many marinas, they’re looking at using sites not previously used due to exposed conditions. This is where our floating concrete breakwaters come in.

“They are designed specifically to reduce waves to a level where sheltered and comfortable berthing, either in a harbour or marina, can be provided – ensuring berth holders and visitors get a good night’s sleep.

“Combining high strength and flexibility, our concrete breakwaters are built to withstand severe weather and wave action. Being fit for purpose does make the units heavy, which means they can be challenging to transport and manoeuvre, but working closely with the team at boatfolk, and experienced local marine contractor, Baker Trayte, the installation has been seamless. Haslar Marina now has the first phase of the protection it needs to expand its berthing facilities.”

Phase two is expected to start shortly, adding two 15m x 4m floating concrete units to the breakwater – completing the full 70-metres of the wave attenuation programme.

Lucas Shotts, Operations Director at boatfolk Marina Group, comments: “Since the inception of the project and the initial site analysis and design, the team at Inland and Coastal have been superb in their input and assistance in achieving the right product within our budget.

“There has been a huge amount of detailed knowledge shared between us which has resulted in the installation of a high-quality and extremely effective floating breakwater in a harsh and busy environment at one of our most important marinas. It has been a pleasure working with the great crew at Inland and Coastal and we have become a really strong team.”

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6th September 2022

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Kicks off 20th Anniversary Celebrations at SIBS 2022

Pontoon manufacturer and water access specialist, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems, is celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary on its stand (J150) at the Southampton International Boat Show, 16-25 September 2022.

Born out of Banagher Precast Concrete (BPC), an Irish precast concrete manufacturer which started producing concrete jetties in 1990, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) was set up by Oliver and Claire Shortall in 2002, while Oliver was still working for BPC.

“When I joined Banagher, it had just started developing floating jetties,” says Oliver. “I could see that there was a growing market for pontoons and jetties in Ireland, but Banagher was focused on other sectors, so when the opportunity arose for me to buy the jetty side of the business, we started Inland and Coastal.”

With demand strong, and no other company manufacturing pontoons in Ireland, ICMS went from strength to strength. Based in Co. Offaly, the company opened offices in Lossiemouth, Scotland in 2015 and in Hamble, England in 2018.

Now employing over 50 people, ICMS designs, manufactures and installs pontoons and concrete breakwaters in marinas, yacht harbours and commercial ports worldwide, including Mexico, Australia and France.

“I’m delighted with how the business and our product portfolio have grown over the last 20 years,” continues Oliver. “Building on the development of the Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) decking and the first concrete breakwaters at BPC in 1998, we developed continuous concrete pontoons in 2013 and started our heavy-duty pontoon range in 2014, in addition to our standard leisure marina pontoons.

“Because we came out of Banagher Concrete, we’ve always taken the approach that every product we make should be built with robustness, so it’ll last. And today, that’s what people associate us with which has led to new business in the burgeoning offshore wind and renewables sector, building pontoons for crew transfer vessels (CTV) and operation and maintenance bases (O&M).”

At the Southampton International Boat Show, on stand J150 at 14.00hrs on Friday, 16 September, the team at Inland and Coastal Marina Systems will be raising a glass of real Irish Guinness to celebrate this 20-year milestone for the company.

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24th January 2022

Inland & Coastal Marina Systems Upgrades Sailing Club’s Watersports Pontoon

Working closely with UK-based Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club, County Offaly based Inland and Coastal Marinas Systems (ICMS) has upgraded the club’s water access for a range of watersports, including sailing and kayaking.

Replacing the existing uneven and slippery units, ICMS designed and manufactured an 18m x 2.4m mixed watersports pontoon, featuring a bespoke walkway with mooring points.

Located in front of the sailing club near Warrington, the new pontoon has 300mm of freeboard and hardwood timber fendering, providing easy launch and recovery for a wide variety of recreational craft.

Topped with ICMS’ GRP mini mesh decking, Leigh and Lowton’s club members now have a more stable and non-slip platform for launching their boats to enjoy time on the water.

“We looked at several options to improve our launching pontoon, including doing the whole job ourselves,” says the club’s facilities manager, Howard Green.

“We choose to work with Inland and Coastal as we liked their ‘can-do’ collaborative approach, practical help and workable, quality solution. Our members are delighted with the result. We have a great new launching area for all our boats including our RIBs.”

Jon Challis, sales manager at ICMS, comments: “By working closely with Howard, discussing the various possible approaches, particularly with regards to sourcing the pile moorings locally, meaningful savings on the overall budget were achieved. We hope that the club members continue to enjoy their new facility for many years to come.”

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22nd September 2021

Boardwalk Upgrade Improves Marina Access on the River Shannon

Leitrim County Council has recently improved shoreside access to its Carrick on Shannon public marina, replacing its existing fixed boardwalk with a new 340m long by 2.4m wide floating walkway.

Working with Deane Public Works, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS), designed and manufactured the new installation which includes a 3m wide fuel berth and eight access gangways with lifebuoy housings and safety ladders, all anchored in place by a new piled mooring system.

The heavy-duty pontoon system, topped with ICMS’ unique glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) decking, provides safe and non-slip, all-year-round access to the marina’s on-site facilities for the public and all leisure boat users, which includes local boat hire companies.

“Being a very popular cruising area, it was important that we completed the installation with as minimal disruption as possible to the local access,” says Ger Buckley, project engineer at ICMS. “We achieved this by taking a phased approach, closely liaising with all contractors and programming the activities in.”

Wrapping around the entire length of the marina site, the public boardwalk now connects the quayside to the access road and car park, allowing users to enter the marina via a new gangway on the eastern side, and exit on the northern side.

“We’re delighted with the quality of the new boardwalk, an attractive upgrade to the waterfront providing a strong, stable walkway for visitors,” says Shay O’Connor, senior engineer with Leitrim County Council. “Even though conditions were challenging at times with access routes being periodically submerged, the team at Inland and Coastal completed the installation efficiently and without disrupting the activities of the regular commercial users of the marina.

“The boardwalk will provide a new walking route along the waterfront for both locals and visitors and new access for users of leisure vessels which cruise along this section of the River Shannon, boosting the tourist industry which plays a major role here in Carrick on Shannon’s economy.”

To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options visit here

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25th June 2021

Ireland's Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Wins Marine Industry Cup 2021

Eleven teams from across the UK marine industry set sail in RS 21 keelboats yesterday from Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC) to compete in the 2021 Marine Industry Cup.

The teams enjoyed breakfast and a pre-race briefing outside HISC’s club house before the first six crews took to the water at 09:30. The day comprised 15 short sharp races in the six RS 21s keelboats. The 11 teams took turns competing on a tightly controlled rolling schedule, with each team completing between seven and ten races.

The wind was light to begin with but built during the day, offering the crews of four reasonable conditions for some very close racing, with small errors costing experienced teams valuable points.

Following the last race of the day, the competing the teams made their way back to HISC, arriving at 16:30 for a hot post-race supper and prize giving.

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems pipped the team from HISC to first place and was awarded the Marine Industry Cup. Headed up by Jon Challis, the team received the trophy plus a Leatherman multi-tool each.

The award for the Most Fun on the Water went to Martin Leaning Masts and Rigging, with the all-female crew being presented with a bottle of Salcombe Gin.

Sponsored by RS Sailing and Marine Industry News, this fun and competitive event raised funds for Friends of PICU, a charity which supports children and their families on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in Southampton Children’s Hospital. A cheque for £1200 was presented to the unit’s lead consultant Iain Macintosh, who said thank you and “don’t worry about the money, it’s really needed and will be well spent.”

Speaking after the racing Jon Partridge from RS Sailing said: “Thank you to everyone for making it such a pleasure. A great day to sail with a great bunch of people, and that’s what makes the marine industry so special. We’re so proud to support an event that inspires such a buzz about our industry. We’ll be back next year, bigger and better.”

Marine Industry Cup 2021 Results

1st – Inland and Coastal Marina Systems
2nd – HISC
3rd – A-Plan Insurance
4th – Sandy Point Chandlery
5th – Lewmar (Z)
6th – Bainbridge International
7th – Marine Industry News
8th – Barton Marine
9th – Martin Leaning Masts and Rigging Ltd
10th – Pains Wessex
11th – Lewmar (L)

See full Results here

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21st June 2021

Inland and Coastal Marinas Complete Port of Portland’s New Tugboat Berth

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) of County Offaly has designed and manufactured a bespoke berth for the Port of Portland’s new tugboat in the UK.

The Irish firm has been completing projects across the UK, and as Afloat reported recently, some high profile projects in Australia too.

To accommodate the vessel within the existing operational pontoons, and factor in its higher freeboard, ICMS manufactured a unique 21.5m heavy-duty pontoon with a tailor-made 750mm freeboard.

As Marine Industry News reports, following the purchase of a new tugboat in Turkey to support growing business, Portland Harbour Authority’s latest acquisition arrived in early April.

“We are pleased with our existing Inland and Coastal harbour workboat pontoons. I was confident their practical, design engineering skills would solve our new tugboat berth requirement in a tight corner of the harbour,” says Alex Hayes, general manager dryside.

“Within no time at all they had worked out how to make it fit and resolved connecting into existing pontoons and access ways at different levels.”

Benefitting from the new pontoon’s Glass Reinforced Fibre (Work Surface) decking, the tugboat’s crew will have a durable, anti-slip surface to board the tug from, which means safe access all year round, whatever the weather, according to Inland and Coastal Marina Systems.

“Our heavy-duty pontoons are specifically designed for this type of application as they can be adapted to suit a customer’s specific needs, the location and existing infrastructure,” says ICMS sales manager, Jon Challis.

“Once we’d found the solution and the design was agreed, we worked closely with the Portland Harbour Authority to deliver the new berthing facility on time and on budget, ready for its new tugboat’s arrival.”

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8th April 2021

Irish Built 440-metre Marina Breakwater is Australia's Longest

County Offaly firm Inland and Coastal Marinas Ltd has delivered the longest public floating wave attenuator – or breakwater – now installed in Australia at the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct project in the state of Victoria.

Working with local firm Poralu Marine the major work has just been completed at Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), with Poralu the main general contractor for this turn-key multi-million-dollar project.

Just six months ago, the wide load was navigating Birr town on its way down under as as Afloat reported here

The heavy-duty wide floating concrete wave attenuator that was shipped from Ireland last November will now protect the first stage of a brand-new aluminium made marina.

The harbour that could previously shelter 280 berths has been completely remodelled simultaneously with the waterfront. The fixed jetties will eventually be replaced by the floating versatile system to offer around 360 berths which can moor boats ranging from eight to twenty-seven meters.

The Inland and Coastal Marina Ltd produced massive concrete structure was shipped from Ireland last November

This project marks an important milestone for the Victorian shores. Wangim Walk (which means boomerang in the Wadawurrung language) is a 440-metre-long concrete public wave attenuator and amongst the longest built in Australia in a similar area exposed to strong winds. With its width of five to six meters and its 20-meter-long gangway, the wave attenuator is highly noticeable and was designed not only to welcome visitors for a unique on-water experience but also as a wave protection for the harbour and to facilitate the berthing of temporary vessels and mega yachts.

RGYC General Manager Phil Clohesy declares: “The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is delighted to deliver this iconic new feature to the Geelong waterfront and community. Wangim Walk functions as a floating breakwater to protect the harbour and allow for RGYC to operate floating docks safely and successfully. Well-protected marinas are the most sought-after marina facilities for all boaters, so this is great news for the waterfront. We look forward to Wangim Walk bringing pleasure to all those who live in the city and region and those who come to visit our beautiful bay and waterfront.”

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5th April 2021

Inland and Coastal Marinas Ltd Install New Workboat Pontoons at Fraserburgh Harbour

County Offaly marine construction firm Inland and Coastal Marinas Ltd has installed heavy-duty workboat pontoons at Fraserburgh Harbour, in the North-East corner of Scotland providing new crew transfer vessel berthing facilities for the Moray East Offshore Windfarm.

With electricity and lighting, this all-in-one base for the daily servicing and refuelling of the CTVs during the ongoing maintenance of the wind farm can be used safely all year round, any time of the day or night.

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28th January 2021

Inland & Coastal Marina Systems Install New Berth for Dunmore East RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat

The new berth for Dunmore East RNLI’s all-weather Trent class lifeboat

Working for the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre and liaising closely with the RNLI, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) has designed, manufactured and installed a new berth for Dunmore East RNLI’s all-weather Trent class lifeboat.

Installed in December 2020, the new berthing facility has been built to service the RNLI as well as provide safe and secure access ashore for various users, including cruise ship passengers.

The shared 27m long x 7m wide steel tubular pontoon is a new product from ICMS, employing waterproofing and paint system technologies not previously used on its other projects. Moored on piles, it has a 32m access gangway and is surfaced with durable Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) decking with excellent anti-slip properties, offering all users confident footing on a stable platform.

“Weighing in at 90 tonnes, we fabricated the tubular pontoon in six pieces to make it less challenging to manoeuvre,” says Oliver Shortall, Managing Director at ICMS. “We then joined the pieces together in the dry dock at New Ross Boat Yard in Co. Wexford prior to floating the massive structure and towing it to its new home at Dunmore East.”

Cormac O Donoghue from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine comments: “Working closely with us to fully understand the brief and what needed to be achieved, Inland and Coastal developed a bespoke solution catering for all stakeholders.

“The RNLI now has somewhere secure for its crew to launch from, allowing them to provide a safe environment for anyone out on the water in the area, while the cruise ship passengers can easily access the bustling fishing village, increasing footfall to local businesses during the tourist season.”

To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options visit here

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12th November 2020

Offaly's Inland & Coastal Marina Systems Expands Newark Marina in the UK

James Wilkinson (Newark Marina) and Jon Challis (Inland and Coastal)

Responding to increased demand for berthing, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems has designed and manufactured a 33-berth extension to the popular Newark Marina in the UK.

Situated on a non-tidal section of the River Trent, Newark Marina’s expansion has not been without its challenges. Extensive flooding, buried vehicles and the ongoing pandemic have caused disruption to the realisation of Managing Director James Wilkinson’s vision of a bright and attractive new extension to the picturesque inland marina.

The endeavour, also using local contractor Action Demolition, garnered a great deal of interest in the area, resulting in early demand from the local boating community keen to secure one of the new berths.

"The marina plays an important part in the local community,” says James. “Our new berths will give an important boost to the local economy, attracting, as it does, boaters from far and wide. We’ve already seen a strong take up in berths and would encourage anyone interested in keeping their boat with us to get in touch.”

Ironically, the onset of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown in March unlocked availability of important local earthmoving plant that enabled the team to catch up on lost time, moving the project forward.

Working closely with James and his team, Inland and Coastal ensured the new standard leisure pontoon system, with terracotta Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) decking, was available for delivery as soon the ground works were complete, ready for his team to install themselves, creating substantial savings for the marina.

“James had a very clear idea of what he wanted to achieve with the marina expansion, giving his berth holders a very pleasant place to stay,” says Jon Challis, Sales Manager at Inland and Coastal. “Disruptions to works, due to flooding and the coronavirus, meant uncertainty and installation dates moving as the situation unfolded, but we kept in touch throughout and were able to deliver as soon as he was ready.”

With the installation now finally nearing completion, James comments: "I am really pleased with the outcome. We went for Inland and Coastal's own specialist GRC decking system because it gives a much brighter, lighter feeling to the marina, whilst offering great stability and grip underfoot for our berth holders."

To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options here

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