Burgess Marine Acquires Meercat Workboats

Britain’s largest independent ship repairer, Burgess Marine, has successfully acquired 100% of the share capital in Meercat Workboats Ltd. Meercat, based in Portchester, currently builds custom road transportable multi-role workboats up to 18m in length; with plans to expand into both Class approved vessels and aluminium wind farm support vessels the company has appointed Mr Jason Coltman as Managing Director.

Burgess Marine is already building two wind farm support vessels for MainprizeOffshore Ltd; the company will complete these builds and then launch the two new vessels as Meercats. Subject to berth availability the firms’ intent is to exhibit the first of these two new vessels at Seawork in 2015.

Mr Nicholas Warren, Burgess Marine’s Managing Director comments: “The acquisition of Meercat is very much line with our plans for longer-term strategic growth – Meercat builds boats, Burgess Marine repairs ships, and Trafalgar Yacht Management manages Yachts. Our intent is to develop Meercat by gradually expanding the company’s product range and facilities – we’re looking at barges, canal tugs, larger Class approved workboats and the potential for further ‘Sure Build’ style aluminium builds.”

In respect to ‘Sure Build’, Nicholas goes on to say: “The ‘Sure Build’ concept has been very well received by the offshore wind farm industry – the customers love it. Yes its low margin, but from our perspective it’s also very low risk and completely safe from the customers side. ‘Sure Build’ really suits the WFSV market as so many customers have had their fingers burned. In terms of core business Meercat will keep doing exactly what it’s always done – building great, practical and bespoke multi-role workboats on a fixed price basis. Why change what works?”

Jason Coltman, Meercat’s Managing Director comments: “Since the acquisition we’ve contracted one 14m new build to Dawnfresh Farming Ltd and we’re in the final stages of agreeing a Canal Tug contract too. Business remains brisk and we’re very much looking forward to the future. From a fiscal perspective being part of Burgess definitely helps; that said we’re very much our own entity and we’re intent on building both our own brand and our position within the market.”  

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