By Mal Butler
Two major boat-building projects, worth millions of pounds, are close to completion as part of a major success story for the Island.
Both vessels are being built by Wight Shipyard, in Cowes, with the Arksen 85 three-quarters of the way through its sea trials.
The £8.3 million, 90-metre (295ft) boat is a long-range explorer and capable of embarking on world-wide adventures.
Founder of the company, Jasper Smith, said: “We decided to build it on the Island because it has a strong history and development of boat-building. It’s been a privilege to have it built here. There is a great skill-set and supply chain and the Island should be very proud.
“It will sleep eight or nine people, and have a crew of two, although some owners prefer to sail it themselves so they can make their own schedule.
“Once it’s complete, it will go to the Mediterranean and Caribbean and be used in the Northwest Passage around the Pacific, going up to Alaska and across to Japan. It’s built to circumnavigate around the globe.
“Peter Morton, of Wight Shipyard, was especially enthusiastic about the project and it really is a credit to the Island.”
The second boat, which should be in action in March, is an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers which will be the UK’s first fully electric zero-emission cross-river passenger ferry, Orbit Clipper.
It will provide a route across the Thames seven days a week, enabling over 20,000 Londoners and visitors to travel between London’s Canary Wharf on the north side of the Thames and Rotherhithe on the south. It can carry 150 passengers with capacity for 100 bicycles.
Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: “It’s a real British success story. All of our new boats are proudly built in the UK using the latest green technology at Wight Shipyard Company.”
Toby Mumford, CEO of Wight Shipyard, added: “Having already delivered six vessels, three of which are hybrid boats, for the fleet, this milestone represents not only a significant step forward for sustainable maritime innovation in the UK, but also highlights the international potential for British-built electric vessels.
“We hope and expect that it is the first of many.”
Isle of Wight Observer