Cammell Laird wins key contract

HISTORIC North West shipyard Cammell Laird has won a major new contract, which will secure more than 200 jobs.

The business is to lengthen a cable-laying ship operared by Nexans AS of Norway, a subsidiary of the international French cable giant Nexans Group.

The vessel, Nexans Skagerrak, will arrive in Birkenhead later this month for the extension from 106 metres to 118.5 metres.

Cammell Laird managing director Linton Roberts explained: “The conversion includes lengthening the ship by inserting a new hull section, the installation of an additional accommodation module and supporting systems, and the installation of a new working deck complete with cable handling equipment.

“These modifications will allow the vessel to perform more extended cable laying operations.”

Chief executive John Syvret said the contract is a ‘massive win’ for the yard, which would showcase its skills and facilities to an international market.

He added: “Last year we pumped more than £33m into the local economy. This contract will further help maintain 200 jobs directly in the shipyard and 100 sub contracting roles.

“We are using many local marine services firms to help us deliver the best possible results for what is a highly technical and demanding conversion. Projects like this are the best advert possible to sell this shipyard and the Merseyside marine business ‘cluster’ to the global market.”