UK aluminium shipbuilder Wight Shipyard has announced a merger with France-headquartered multinational shipbuilder OCEA, which the company says will create a combined group to capitalise on fast ferry and offshore renewable energy markets opportunities.
Wight Shipyard, which has built up a position in the high-tech environmentally friendly fast ferry market, expects to nearly double in size.
CEO Peter Morton said: “This is a transformational deal for The Wight Shipyard and for the Isle of Wight, confirming the resurgence of the shipbuilding industry in the United Kingdom. We have been working with OCEA on a number of projects and it was very clear from the outset that we complemented each other in terms of skills and experience and, going forward through the business cycle, both companies can benefit from the synergies and opportunities that this deal presents. We have enjoyed a first-class working relationship with OCEA to produce vessels and solutions to the highest standards, pushing the boundaries in terms of fuel efficiency, the environment and modern shipbuilding practices.”
OCEA’s international market stength has driven its multinational expansion. Both companies have complementary expertise supporting the offshore renewable energy sector. Combining the two together is thought to produce a truly global aluminium shipbuilding operation with an order book that offers business security and sustainability well into the future.
Roland Joassard, CEO and founder of OCEA, said: “OCEA is expanding internationally to respond to strong demand in these markets and appreciates the new ‘Global Britain’ and refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy outlook. Wight Shipyard shares the same DNA, passion and high quality of workmanship as OCEA and its expertise in the fast ferry market complements OCEA’s qualities in other markets. Having worked with the Wight Shipyard and Peter’s team in a number of ways already, we feel that they are the perfect partner to develop global orders for the fast ferry and offshore renewable energy markets.”
Based at a primary yard in Les Sables d’Olonne, OCEA has further facilities in France, the Caribbean and the Philippines. Following the merger with Wight Shipyard, the Group will share resources and operations in East Cowes that will ramp up significantly, helping the Isle of Wight to ‘level up’ with the creation of much-needed employment opportunities.
Morton added: “For East Cowes and the Isle of Wight, this is a step change in terms of future employment and security for the outstanding team at The Wight Shipyard. We will be able to bring in more high-skilled shipbuilders and technicians as well as providing career pathways all through the production chain. It’s a deal that secures livelihoods and is transformational for East Cowes as the epicentre of aluminium shipbuilding in the UK.”
Wight Shipyard recently secured the contract for two new ‘Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ river transport vessels utilising battery-power and recharging technologies.
