Marine business sailing forth

A North-east work-boat and marine support business is set to quadruple in size following an investment in new vessels that will service the £350 million expansion of Aberdeen Harbour.

Mclachlan Marine made the £270,000 investment with support from Bank of Scotland after winning contracts with Spanish infrastructure giant Dragados to service the three-year construction project at Nigg Bay.

The latest work-boat, called Ocean Spartan, is the firm’s sixth and was bought after previously being used to help build the new Queensferry Crossing. The boat will mainly be used for safety cover, crew transfers and supporting roles at the Nigg Bay project.

Mclachlan Marine owner Ruari Mclachlan said the investment, which was supported by a £75,000 loan from Bank of Scotland, would help boost the company’s growth plans.

Turnover is set to quadruple to break the £1 million barrier in 2017 and the firm is already looking to acquire more vessels to support its ongoing growth.

Aberdeen-based Mclachlan Marine was founded in 2011 and has 15 staff. The business specialises in work-boats and marine support services including crew transfers, safety boats and inshore surveys.

Scott Murray, relationship manager, SME banking, at Bank of Scotland, said: “The expansion of Aberdeen Harbour is an exciting development that will provide a significant boost to the region and the wider Scottish economy.

“It represents a huge investment, and it’s great to see firms in the local supply chain benefiting, including Mclachlan Marine.

“This new vessel will have an immediate impact on the business.”