A steel-cutting ceremony for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s new state of the art hybrid powered vessel, which is to serve off Scotland and the Isle of Man, took place in a Spanish shipyard, Astilleros Gondán S.A.

Phil Day, Director of Operations with the Northern Lighthouse Board said: “The steel cutting ceremony is an important milestone as it marks the moment when production starts on the build of the new Pole Star, following an intensive 10-month period of detailed design work.

“Using new technology to minimise the impact on the environment and with additional capability to help deal with the effects of Climate Change, the new ship will ensure we can continue to deliver our vital safety service in Scottish and Manx waters into the 2050s.”

As Afloat previously reported the £51.8m newbuild is to enter service in Summer 2025 and will meet the ambitious environmental targets set out in the UK Government Clean Maritime Plan, whilst future proofing the Northern Lighthouse Board’s ability to deliver its vital safety services over the next 25 years.

NLB representatives Director of Operations, Phil Day and Technical Manager, Graham Moffat were also present at the event on Friday, 23 October, in a day that celebrated the exciting milestone.

The NLB is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) which is responsible for aids to navigation in the waters around Scotland and the Isle of Man.