Wight Shipyard Co. is seeking additional premises in East Cowes as it looks to expand its operations on the Isle of Wight amid a growing order book. In recent years the number of PAYE employees at Wight Shipyard has trebled from 50 to 150 as the company delivers to an ever-expanding order book which includes the manufacture of new low-emission passenger ferries for Uberboat by Thames Clipper. The company has also recently won a sizeable contract with an international client for 5x 20m catamarans and it remains in the running for the contract to deliver the UK Border Force Vessel Replacement Programme. Wight Shipyard believes it has the potential to increase the workforce in East Cowees to 400, but needs more space to support expansion plans. The Island’s MP, Bob Seely, has said he is committed to helping the company’s expansion plans of one of the Island’s biggest maritime employers. 
Mr Seely has said he will lobby the Government on behalf of Wight Shipyard and will be working with the Isle of Wight Council to ensure the shipyard has a long-term future in East Cowes at the Columbine site, as well as helping them to find additional new premises in East Cowes as it looks to expand its operations. Bob, who met Wight Shipyard bosses on site recently, has said:
“Government investment in the shipbuilding infrastructure in East Cowes is creating jobs and prosperity on the Island. “The money has increased the capacity of the shipyard and has future-proofed it as a marine engineering hub. It delivered a large vessel lifting crane enabling the company to bid for larger contracts which, in turn, has created more jobs and wealth in East Cowes. “It is also helping with wider regeneration plans in East Cowes with upgrades to Victoria Barracks and public realm improvements.”
New floating bridge perhaps !
They turned down that poisoned chalice when the current one was open to bid on. I doubt they would choose to now.
It’s about time Seely was committed.
What a pity we gave away all that lovely land next door so that Red Funnel could park trucks on it. Dr Seely MBE MP was very proud of that one.
Excellent news, it shows that UK manufacturing can compete and win. It’s a welcome setback for the developers that would sweep away unsightly manufacturing and line the river with luxury waterfront apartments.
This is good news …
Didn’t know we were still building German Uboats.