Shipyard group, Harland & Wolff has formally commenced its marine services offering under Harland & Wolff (Marine Services) Ltd, this is part of its five-market, six-service business growth strategy.

(HWMS), HWMS will be focussed on growing and maturing its UK and Europe-wide sea freight, towage and workboat charter offering to its clients in addition to dealing with internal movement of structures and parts between the Group’s yards and client facilities.

Currently the HWMS fleet is made up of three vessels; H&W Terramare, H&W Valonia and a third that will be named shortly. The latest addition to the fleet is now at Harland & Wolff’s Appledore facility undergoing a refit and repainting and is scheduled to go into operation next month. Over time, HWMS will be acquiring more vessels to augment its growth ambitions and meet demand as it arises.

HWMS will be led by Julian Northway, who will assume the role of Managing Director of this new operation. Julian, an experienced Captain, along with his operations team, have gained a strong reputation right along the South West coast, the Isles of Scilly and in European waters. Julian and his team enjoy the confidence of several international companies for delivering high quality and reliable customer service, and this will continue to be the key differentiator for the business.

Commenting on the launch, Julian Northway said: “Joining the Harland & Wolff family represents a fantastic chance to scale up and ultimately, offer even better services to the Isles of Scilly, UK and further beyond. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to commissioning our third vessel next month.”

John Wood, Group Chief Executive Officer of Harland & Wolff, said: “I am delighted to have launched Harland & Wolff Marine Services. I am confident that under the leadership of Julian Northway, and with the support of our group resources, this new business will grow significantly and provide even greater options across the South-West region, the Isles of Scilly, with the aspiration to have a UK-wide and international presence in due course.”