Dales Marine celebrates the successful launch of a new vessel build in Aberdeen

Dales Marine Services Ltd (Dales Marine), a leading UK Ship repair & maintenance company, celebrates the launch of its new vessel in Aberdeen harbour.

In June 2021, Dales Marine secured a contract to fabricate a new multi-cat style vessel platform to support the Aquaculture sector. Build of the new vessel, named the Réalt na Farraige, commenced in July 2021.

Réalt na Farraige was lowered into the water for the first time on the 5th March 2022 at the Dales Marine’s facilities in Aberdeen, with quayside support services provided by Whytes Crane Hire and McIntosh Plant Hire.

The Dales Marine’s Aberdeen dry dock last saw a new vessel build over 33 years ago when Hall Russell operated the dock.

The launch of the Réalt na Farraige is a monumental occasion and represents a significant project for Dales Marine. It has delivered several firsts for the business, including the first vessel they’ve built and the first vessel to be built in Aberdeen for a long time.

The vessel’s initial sea-water launch marks the completion of over eight months’ work by the Dales team. Over thirty technicians and engineers, with trades including platers, welders, electrical engineers, and hydraulic engineers, have been utilised in the build. The project has also involved Dales Marine’s Aberdeen-based apprentices. Gary Norrie, Project Manager, has overseen the complete project, including managing the build process and the vessel’s launch, and will oversee both the harbour and sea trials and the client handover.

“Today is a very proud moment for myself and my team here at Dales Marine. I have worked for Dales Marine for the last 14 years, and today has to be the most memorable of all those years. It has been a test for each and every one of us during the build over the last 8 – 9 months. From the day the first flat steel plate was brought into our workshop to the last brushstroke of paint applied, it has been a challenge and an exciting one for us all. The experience and skill utilised on this build by the team have been second to none.” Said Garry Norrie, Project Manager at Dales Marine Services.

Gary continued: “Today marks a memorable milestone in Scottish shipbuilding history; the Réalt na Farraige is the first built vessel here at Dales Marine Services Ltd and the first vessel launched here at this shipyard in over 33 years. Exciting times lie ahead at Dales Marine Shipyard in the shipbuilding industry. I want to thank our skilled team that helped make this project become a reality and get us to where we are today and also a special thanks to McIntosh Plant Hire & Whytes Cranes for the assistance with today’s launch.”

After entering the water, Réalt na Farraige was moored in its final berth before she completes her harbour and sea trials, following which she will sail, to the Dales Marine site in Greenock for the final handover to the client.

“The Réalt na Farraige build has been an exciting opportunity for Dales Marine. The company is renowned for its expertise and experience in vessel engineering and repurposing vessels. This project has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Dales Marine’s skills that have been required to build this new multi-cat style vessel. It has been a great privilege to be part of this project. The vessel is a testament to the outstanding work undertaken to complete the build within an eight-month window.” said Michael Milne, CEO, Dales Marine Services.