Dales Marine Services

Full Ahead For Record Year At Dales Marine Services' Aberdeen Dry Dock
26 August 2008

New Director appointed at busy facility

Dales Marine Services are forecasting a record year for ship repair and maintenance, with over 50 vessels expected to use its dry dock at Aberdeen Harbour.

They will bring to around 220 the total of ships serviced by Dales Marine which has increased the annual figure by more than three times compared with the 12 months before it took over operatorship of the dock in August, 2004. In addition, Dales Marine are also undertaking around 2,000 floating repairs per annum at Aberdeen, as well as working at other UK ports and overseas.

Under Dales Marine's operatorship, the workforce has quadrupled to around 80, including 13 apprentices, one of whom was recently runner-up in a Scottish 'skill weld' competition. Sub contractors bring the workforce to 120. Turnover has increased almost fivefold since the company's first year, and is expected to reach £12 million this year.

Maurice Nicol, Managing Director of the family-owned parent Dales Group, said: "The growth in activity and continuing success is down to our quality workforce, low staff turnover and our style of management which sees everyone working as a team. Our investment of more than £1 million to date in facilities, technology and training underlines our commitment and confidence in the future."

Dales Marine General Manager, Michael Milne (38), who joined as a welder in 1991, has been appointed the company’s first non-family director and is now a shareholder through its incentive scheme.

Established in 1987 and in Aberdeen since 1991, Dales Marine lease the two-acre site and dry dock – at 112m x 21m x 6.5m, the largest privately-operated facility in Scotland - from Aberdeen Harbour Board. The majority of vessels serviced are oil-related, along with commercial shipping, tugs and ferries.

Services include fabrication, mechanical engineering, diesel engine overhauls and structural steelwork for shipping, oil and gas, chemical, power generation and civil engineering industries.

Peterhead-headquartered Dales Group also own Gillanders Motors, in Peterhead and Brechin, and Dales Properties.