An Aberdeen workboat and marine support firm says its recent £270,000 investment in new vessels to service the £350 million expansion of Aberdeen Harbour will be transformational for the business, helping it quadruple in size within a year.
McLachlan Marine made the 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.
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The new work boat, called Ocean Spartan, is the company’s 6th and was bought after previously being used to help build the new Queensferry Crossing bridge.
McLachlan Marine owner Ruari McLachlan said the investment, supported by a £75,000 loan from Bank of Scotland, propels the company’s growth plans.
Turnover is set to quadruple to break the £1million barrier in 2017, up from £300,000 in 2016, and the firm is already looking to acquire more vessels to support its ongoing growth.
The Ocean Spartan is a very versatile boat which will mainly be used for safety cover, crew transfers and supporting roles at Nigg Bay Harbour Project.
Aberdeen-based McLachlan Marine has 15 staff and was founded in 2011, specialising in workboats 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 and I look forward to being able to support its ambitious plans going forward.
“Bank of Scotland is committed to working with the marine sector to help Britain prosper and support firms like McLachlan Marine in achieving their full potential.”
