Tyne hopes for return to shipbuilding

The managing director of A&P Tyne in the UK, Dave Skentelbery, recently said: “We have the ability to build new ships. The skills are still on the river. There are projects with potential and if the right opportunity comes along, then it?s something we will consider doing. Over recent years we have built a stern and we have built a bow. We have the skills and the ability to build a ship and bring shipbuilding back to the river.”

“The main thing for us is that we are securing the future for a marine business here on the Tyne which is utilising the skills of Tyneside ship workers. I know it?s an emotional issue but this is not just about shipbuilding, it?s about maintaining and securing the long-term future of the business here on Tyneside.”

The river Tyne has been synonymous with shipbuilding for over 150 years and, in September 2005, the last ship to be built on the river ? at its most famous yard Swan Hunter ? the £80m Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay was launched. But after the company failed to complete the fitting out work, it was towed away to be completed At Govan?s shipyard on the Clyde.

A&P Tyne currently has 250 full-time staff and, with agency workers used to meet troughs in supply and demand, it can provide work for up to 1,000 people at its 55-acre site. The shipyard has built a successful business fulfilling a number of major contracts from ship repairs to conversion work.