North East-based UK Docks Marine Services, which already operates two of the dry docks that used to belong to Smith’s, has now taken a long-term lease on the other two adjacent docks.
This makes UK Docks the sole operator of the whole former Smith’s Dockyard site, which originally opened in the early 20th century and ceased functioning in 1987.
The shipyards have been vacant for nearly a year, marking the lease agreement a significant achievement for UK Docks.
The company aims to transform Teesside into a central hub for ship maintenance and repair, both nationally and internationally, ushering in a new era for marine services on the Tees.
Months of negotiations between UK Docks and site owners PD Ports preceded the announcement of the new tenancy.
The agreement is expected to prompt multi-million-pound investments in the yard, which comprises two dry docks and extensive workshops across a 10-acre site.
Plans for extensive modernisation over the coming years are underway.
Jonathan Wilson, managing director at UK Docks, said: “We are delighted to have taken over the site and look forward to redeveloping it and restoring it to a functional facility again.
“We see a lot of potential and possibilities in the site and have a five-year plan to maximise it as an asset.”
He revealed that immediate steps will be taken to rejuvenate the site, expecting it to become operational very soon.
Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports, said: “We are delighted to agree this deal with UK Docks, which will see the full complement of dry docks on the Tees brought back into use and with great plans to upgrade the facilities.”
This expansion fortifies UK Docks’ standing as the largest independent, family-owned ship repair company in the UK and marks its second significant investment in Teesside.
The Wilson family established UK Docks on a single slipway in South Shields in 1992.
The company has since branched out, reviving boatyard and ship repair sites on the south coast and over a decade ago, took over the old Smiths Dock Ship Repair Company on the Tees.
The new acquisition of two more docks, one measuring 175.26 metres by 22.25 metres and the other 120 metres by 17.3 metres, will allow UK Docks to tender for a broader range of vessels.
The newly leased yard also boasts lay-by berths, an additional 200 metres of quay space, extensive fabrication, engineering workshop facilities, and laydown areas.
Jonathan Wilson added: “UK Docks is giving a massive vote of confidence in the future of the marine services industry in the North East, and we were pleased that PD Ports bought into our plans and vision for the site.
“Once again, UK Docks is investing in a national industry which many people regarded as being in terminal decline.”
Royal Navy contracts, including service for the navy’s only icebreaker, HMS Protector, as well as HMS Enterprise and HMS Echo, have become a significant part of UK Docks’ business.
With the larger docks and additional quay space, the new acquisition will also aid tendering for future contracts.
