MP Bob Seely has committed to helping the expansion plans of one of the Island’s biggest maritime employers.
Following a near six-million-pound boost to East Cowes from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, 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 recently won a sizeable contract with an international client for five 20-metre catamarans, and it remains in the running for the contract to deliver the UK Border Force Vessel Replacement Programme.
Now, 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.
Mr Seely also wants to help the company find additional new premises in East Cowes as it looks to expand its operations.
Mr Seely, who met Wight Shipyard bosses on site recently, 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.”
Mr Seely said Wight Shipyard believed it has the potential to increase its workforce to up to 400, but needed more space to support its expansion plans.
He said: “I’m keen to help any shipyard expand their operations on the Isle of Wight which will bring jobs and prosperity to the Island - and create career paths for young Islanders into well-paid jobs.”
Mr Seely also has regular talks with other shipyards on the Island.
“We have a hub of well-led, growing firms in niche maritime and aerospace manufacturing on the Island. I will be working with Government and the Council to make sure that success continues.
“Dozens of apprentices have already been taken on at Wight Shipyard and I’m keen to help the company expand so it can take on dozens more.”
