Campbeltown registered scallop boat is launched
Islay Crab Exports’ latest scalloper, CN 25 Atlantic Dawn, was officially launched by its owner in Whitby. The firms’ James Monaghan and his daughter Kayleigh were joined by fishermen from near and far at Parkol Marine Engineering’s headquarters for the naming ceremony.
New yard
It was the first vessel to come out of the esteemed boat-builder’s new Middlesbrough yard, which has another Campbeltown connection as it where former shipyard designer Ian Paton works. The Atlantic Dawn scallop- er had a traditional maritime naming ceremony where she was blessed by Father Michael Gobbett and named by James’ daughter Kayleigh. She was due to undergo sea trials before starting work fishing for scallops in the English Channel until Christmas, when she will then join the rest of James’ fleet in the Irish Sea. Parkol, which was established in Whitby in 1971, has a reputation as one of the leading boat manufacturers in the UK and opened its Middlesbrough yard in October 2017 to increase its capacity for building larger boats. The Atlantic Dawn is the first project to be completed at the new fabrication facility, which boasts the capability for keel to mast construction and fit-out entirely under cover – a rarity in the UK. Sally Atkinson, Parkol director and project manager, said: ‘This is the first time we’ve worked with James and we were thrilled to win the order. ‘It was a pleasure to build the Atlantic Dawn and we were really pleased to be able to complete it two-and-a-half months ahead of schedule.’ James Monaghan was so impressed with Parkol’s service, he says he will not be looking elsewhere should he require another boat in the future.
Fantastic
‘Absolutely everything was A1, I couldn’t have asked for more,’ he said. ‘The workmanship was fantastic, it’s the best I’ve ever experienced. It is a family-run business and the personal touch was evident every step of the way.’ Atlantic Dawn is 20.30 metres long with a 20,000 litre fuel capacity and a 4000 litre fresh water capacity. Its fishroom has capacity for 600 38kg bags and its ice locker can hold three tonnes of ice. Mr Monaghan added: ‘Fuel efficiency is very important to us as she’s working 24/7 and landing every five or six days. ‘She has a top speed of around 12 knots and we’re confident she will perform brilliantly at sea.’ Parkol’s expansion is an important new chapter in the life of the company. The Middlesbrough fabrication hall measures 70 metres by 35 metres by 40m high, with four boat-building berths that can accommodate new builds up to 40 metres long and 10 metre beam. There are also three overhead gantry cranes each with 20T lifting capacity which provides good flexibility with regards to vessel sub-assemblies. Parkol’s highly skilled team design, build, repair and maintain every type of steel, aluminium and wood-hulled vessel, providing bespoke solutions that meet the individual needs of every client.