Red Lion Marine expands fleet with new crew vessel
FEATURE
Enhancement – Portunus is a significant upgrade in size and capability compared to
Red Lion Marine ’ s existing fleet .
NORTH SEA OPPORTUNITIES
Red Lion Marine expands fleet with new crew vessel
WORDS : PAUL FRASER
Red Lion Marine has significantly expanded its capabilities with the addition of a new crew vessel , the Portunus .
This strategic acquisition marks a major milestone for the leading provider of marine services in the Tees Bay region , enabling it to serve a wider area and venture further into the challenging waters of the North Sea .
Portunus is a purpose-built crew transfer vessel with a rich history in the region .
“ Historically , this boat was owned by Cook Marine in Hartlepool ,” said Nathan Hobday , owner and director of Red Lion Marine .
“ They have done all the crew transfer work and supply runs to Tees Bay , as well as the passage of surveyors or inspectors when other vessels are anchored .
“ I worked for Cook Marine 10 years ago and I always felt it would be a nice addition to the little fleet when Mike Cook was ready to sell .”
The Portunus represents a significant upgrade in size and capability compared to Red Lion Marine ’ s existing fleet .
“ It ’ s a crew transfer vessel , a different class altogether , the largest boat we now have ,” said Nathan , who is from Redcar .
“ She is an ideal design to encompass what we want to do and pick up the gauntlet Cook Marine has left behind .”
Influence – getting involved with Redcar Lifeboat Station at the age of 17 was a pivotal experience for Red Lion Marine owner Nathan Hobday .
Value – Portunus showed her worth in her first week , taking a part to a ship 30 miles off the coast of Whitby .
The Portunus is designed for heavier offshore work , opening up new possibilities for Red Lion Marine .
“ My intention was always to push beyond Tees Bay ,” the 32-year-old added . “ I wanted to offer options on North Sea routes .
“ In her first week , we got a job 30 miles off the coast of Whitby for a ship that needed a part . That provided a good portfolio to show we can do it .”
The services provided by Red Lion Marine are essential to the smooth operation of Teesport and the wider maritime community .
The service has become an essential extending arm into the North Sea for all the Teesport agencies and businesses .
Nathan said : “ We can get parts out to the ships as I ’ ve just described , or we are allowing crew changes to take place , and some ships change crew every six-to-12 months .
“ If a ship is at anchor , we will provide a service to get the staff on and off .”
Red Lion Marine ’ s recent work with major projects includes Dogger Bank , the world ’ s largest offshore wind farm , and collaborations with the Royal Navy to demonstrate an ability to handle complex and demanding operations .
Nathan ’ s journey in the maritime industry began working on pilot boats on the River Tees .
His involvement with Redcar Lifeboat Station at the age of 17 proved to be a
pivotal experience , providing him with valuable insights into the needs of the maritime community .
“ It ’ s interesting because when you work on board , you hear the small things that are missed ,” Nathan said . “ That ’ s when you start to think about , ‘ What can I do to provide that ?’ Red Lion Marine has been built on a roll of the dice to see where it got .”
Lade Way , Luff Way , Cerberus and Portunus now make up Red Lion Marine ’ s diverse fleet of vessels .
Nathan said : “ Each one is different and designed bespoke to provide different services . We used to turn down work , and we have built the fleet up on every job we have turned down .
“ I could see further growth coming in the next 24 months . Whether that is a streamlined vessel or a multi-purpose vessel I don ’ t know , but there are new markets to be captured .”
To support this expansion , Red Lion Marine has invested in its team , which includes full-time skipper Paul Slimmings and full-time mechanic Ian Douglas .
With its expanded fleet and dedicated team , Red Lion Marine hopes to capitalise on the growing demand for marine services on the River Tees and the North Sea .
For further information , check out redlionmarine . com
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