Penzance Dry Dock’s £4m Transformation: From Historic Landmark to Engineering Powerhouse

Penzance Dry Dock, Europe’s oldest operational tidal dry dock, is undergoing a £4m refurbishment thanks to a £2m investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. Established in 1834 and once operating under the renowned name of N. Holman & Sons, the dock is being transformed into a modern marine engineering hub.

The refurbishment, led by Jamie Murphy, a 32-year-old former Royal Navy marine engineer, aims to elevate the dry dock from a ship repair facility to one capable of shipbuilding. Jamie’s connection to the dock runs deep—his grandfather worked there for 45 years, and the current foreman was his grandfather’s apprentice.

Investment in Jobs and Skills

Jamie’s vision includes creating opportunities for the next generation of marine engineers. This year, the dock launched its first apprenticeship scheme in over 25 years, and another group of apprentices is set to start this month.

The investment is already making an impact, with the workforce expected to nearly double in the short term and ambitious plans to grow to over 100 employees. The company is also welcoming significant contracts, including its first Ministry of Defence job in 28 years.

Jamie said: “The Good Growth funding has been vital in enabling major capital investment right across the site which is going to be transformational for Penzance Dry Dock. We want to attract more employment to the area while protecting the future of our industry here in West Cornwall.”

Preparing for Offshore Wind Opportunities

The dock is positioning itself for opportunities tied to the offshore windfarms planned for the Celtic Sea. This includes the potential to support repair, maintenance, and construction of vessels, pontoons, and barges.

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economy, said: “The dock’s transformation will create high-quality jobs, develop crucial skills, and position West Cornwall as a leader in marine engineering – a sector critical to the region’s prosperity, particularly with the emerging opportunities in offshore wind.”

Modern Facilities for a New Era

The refurbishment includes significant upgrades to the site, such as:

• New dry dock gates and a pumping system that reduces water removal time from six hours to just one.
• Seven new cranes, including a 50-tonne Goliath crane.
• A brand-new carpenter’s workshop, clean room, and improved staff facilities.
• Enclosed workshops to reduce noise and modernised machine shops with CNC profiling machines.
• Upgraded offices featuring a large project office, CAD suite, and apprenticeship facilities.

Work is ongoing and is set to be completed next year, all while the dock remains operational. The site’s transformation represents a significant boost to Cornwall’s marine engineering sector and its local economy.

For more information about the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, click here.

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