#FISHING – A new company has been launched along the east coast of Ireland with the purpose of providing econimical and efficient engineering services to the fishing industry.
Fleet Marine is a company founded by Rodney Gillen, a qualified engineer who has extensive experience on both Irish and international fishing vessels. Gillen says "The objective of Fleet Marine is to supply vessels with the local and expert knowledge often required for today's fishing fleet. We provide a professional, efficient service at a price that is affordable".
With over eight years experience in both the Irish white fish and international pelagic industry, Fleet Marine have the knowledge and experience to offer assistance over a broad spectrum of problems. From engine servicing and repairs to electronic fault finding and installations, Fleet Marine covers it all.
Although predominantly based along the east coast, Fleet Marine offers a callout service to other ports along the south, west and northeast coasts. Founder and MD Gillen says "We are very aware of the demands placed on modern trawlers and their crew which is why we are pleased to offer a 24hour service, helping vessels to return to fishing as quickly as possible."
With a proven track record on Irish vessels fishing off the west coast of Ireland and Rockall to Dutch factory ships fishing in the South Pacific and beyond, Rodney has the knowledge and enthuasiasm needed to drive a new company trying to start out in these difficult financial times.
Rodney initially studied engineering in the National Fisheries College in Greencastle before completing his training onboard the 37m Killybegs trawler India Rose. After almost four years fishing out of Killybegs, he moved to a Dutch company and was employed as part of an engineering team onboard the Annelies Ilena (ex Atlantic Dawn). With just under four years experience onboard the largest fishing vessel in the world, he worked in seas off the coast of such places as Chile, Morocco and Canada.
With a number of jobs secured already, business has started well for Fleet Marine. "My first job was a call at 8pm with a request to meet a boat at 3:30am in Dunmore East" says Rodney. "They had to come ashore with a problem in their factory. The vessel was repaired and ready to leave the harbour by 7:30am the same morning, minimising time away from the fishing grounds and allowing the vessel to return to sea as soon as possible."
For more information you can call Rodney at any time on 014306544 or 0868801850 or visit www.fleetmarine.ie.