Pendennis Shipyard: Next Stage of Transformation

THE first phase of Pendennis Shipyard's transformation has been completed, bringing to fruition years of planning and paving the way for the next stage of its development.

Pendennis already has the contractors creating the non-tidal wet-basin directly in front of the new construction halls. With the longest arm of the basin planned to be 100 metres this will enable several 40 to 50 metre visiting yachts, or larger 80 metre-plus projects, to be based directly alongside before and after their refit or build period.

This next phase is due to be completed in 2015, “finalising the transformation of Pendennis into one of the most impressive and accessible superyacht facilities in the world.”

The previous single construction hall has been replaced with two 90 metre halls along with a new 45 metre double-width hall, all of which complement the existing dry dock and provide more flexible space for superyacht refits and new build projects at the 6.5 acre site.

Construction company Midas consulted with Pendennis' project teams, and are tailoring the facilities to manage the unique demands of superyacht refit and build.

The four-storey central spine contains workshops, trade areas and project team offices to enable direct access to projects situated in the halls.

An 80 metre mast shed has been integrated into the lowest level, creating a environmentally controlled area for spraying and servicing. A critical feature was the inclusion of a network of air ducts built into the floor of each building.

This allows for yachts to be individually sealed and an environmentally controlled paint environment created in situ, without the need to move projects to different locations for spraying.

The shoreside building phase was completed in May with a four-storey workshop/office/hospitality complex. Glass balconies provide a view over the Fal estuary, and a unique work environment for project teams and visiting crews. The hospitality suite was used for the first time at the VIP lunch during the Pendennis Cup.

To cater for larger projects, Pendennis has also taken delivery of a 640 tonne travel hoist which is ideally positioned to move yachts from the slipway into either of the three halls.

Joint managing director, Mike Carr, said: “Since the company was founded over 25 years ago we have continually invested in the Falmouth site to respond to industry demands.

“When we founded the company in 1988, a 35m vessel was perceived as 'large' in the yachting industry. Over the years as yacht sizes continued to grow and refit demand increased the yard has needed to adapt. Since the last major yard expansion, which included the improvement of our dry dock facilities in 2004, the superyacht industry has changed dramatically.

“Over the past five years in particular Pendennis has seen an increasing demand for winter refits as well as an escalation in the average length of yachts globally. Henk (Wiekens) and I recognised that we needed to improve our facilities to cater to this, and so the development plans have been a key consideration for some time.”

*Original story: The Packet via Google News
*Image credits: flickr/Tim Green