SSC orders fifth vessel from Bute boat builder
The Scottish Salmon Company has commissioned a new bespoke design 30-tonne workboat for its sites at Loch Striven, with delivery expected in early 2019.
Built by Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Company on the Isle of Bute, the commission means the family-run firm can employ four new modern apprentices to assist with the build.
SSC chief executive Craig Anderson said: “The Scottish Salmon Company is proud that this is the fifth boat built for us by Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Company. The close working relationship allows us to work together to incorporate new technology and to design improvements in the vessels.
“SSC is committed to using Scottish suppliers where possible and we look forward to launching the new boat next year.”
Significant project
Ewan Ferguson, managing director of Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Company, said: “As a small family-run business projects like this are very significant, as they allow us to continue growing and bringing in more apprentices.
“The Scottish Salmon Company are one of our biggest customers, so we are happy that they have chosen Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Company to build their new workboat.”
Ardmaleish’s previous builds for SSC include the Lady Charlotte and Clare Ann landing craft. The new boat will be slightly different as it will have some bespoke improvements.
The announcement of the order follows SSC reporting positive results for the first half of the year. The Edinburgh-headquarted company’s revenue grew 36% to a record £98.3 million in the first half of 2018, compared to £72m in H1 2017.
Harvest volumes were also up from 11,617 tonnes in the first half of 2017 to 15,777 tonnes in H1 this year, and the company has revised 2018 harvest estimates up by 1,500 tonnes from 26,500 tonnes to 28,000 tonnes.
EBIT/kg before fair value adjustment for the first six months of 2018 ended at £2.11/kg, up from £1.65/kg in the same period in 2017.
