Archipelago Yachts has opened its new shipyard facility in Newport on the UK’s Isle of Wight.
The new yard is intended to accelerate the company’s growth, increase build capacity and strengthen its presence within the marine manufacturing sector.
The new facility provides Archipelago Yachts with its first wholly controlled production line, enabling the company to bring key capabilities in-house.
The shipyard has been established as a production base and as an innovation hub for the company.
“Establishing our own shipyard gives us the space and capability to accelerate Archipelago’s ambitions, particularly around zero-carbon propulsion and advanced vessel design,” said Stephen Weatherley, CEO of Archipelago Yachts.
Establishing our own shipyard gives us the space and capability to accelerate Archipelago’s ambitions.
Stephen Weatherley
“Just as importantly, it allows us to invest in skills, support the local marine economy and build a foundation for the next generation of the business.”
By operating its own facility, Archipelago Yachts says it gains greater control over build quality, timelines and experimental development work that would be more difficult to pursue within third-party yards.
The Isle of Wight was selected for its heritage in aluminium and commercial vessel construction, as well as its strong marine skills base.
Enhanced manufacturing techniques
The yard is configured to support up to four vessels under construction at the same time, and will enable production of up to six boats a year once fully optimised.
The company is currently investing in enhanced manufacturing techniques, including laser welding.
A central focus of the new facility will be Archipelago’s ongoing work in low- and zero-carbon marine technology with the yard used as the primary development base for the company’s methanol range-extender project.
The company currently employs 14 people at the facility.
