Global maritime business Blu Marine arrives as shipbuilding industry grows again in Inverclyde

Riverside Inverclyde (Ri), the organisation delivering the economic redevelopment of Inverclyde in the west of Scotland, has welcomed Blu Marine to Lynedoch Industrial Estate in Greenock.

Blu Marine, a leading provider of innovative and quality marine outfitting services, will locate three members of its staff to the new premises.

The Belfast-headquartered business already has offices in Salisbury and Hong Kong, and has leased 3,200 square feet from the now fully-let Greenock industrial park.

Craig McCoo, Managing Director of Blu Marine, said: “We have won the contract to fit out the two vessels currently at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, so having a base in Inverclyde is essential.

“Blu Marine is tendering for additional work across the UK, and we are confident that our Inverclyde base can grow further as we successfully win more business.

“We looked at quite a few options prior to speaking with the Riverside Inverclyde team and have been delighted with our experience here.  Our new premises were spotless, and the speed of completing the deal was impressive.”

Andrew Bowman, Head of Business Investment and Operations at Ri, said: “We are delighted to welcome Blu Marine to Lynedoch Industrial Estate and wish Craig and his team continued success at their new premises.

“Inverclyde has a rich shipbuilding heritage, and the arrival of global marine business is an excellent boost for the area and our rejuvenated shipbuilding industry.”

Blu Marine was established in 2007 and employs 15 members of staff globally. It has worked on a range of high-profile vessels including the QE2, the Lord Nelson tall ship, and HMS Caroline.

Craig continued: “Our new premises are ideal for storage and manufacturing as we assemble small bespoke metal and joinery works for customers.

“Blu Marine will be using local suppliers from across the country, and local contractors will continue to be used for many of our projects, not just with Ferguson Marine.

“We look forward to integrating and becoming part of the Inverclyde business community.”

Blu Marine joins Ethos, Inverstore, Wet Wall Works, Kerrson Engineering, Trade Right International, Outdoor Spares, Stepwell, Golden Oak Restoration, Window Care, Inverclean, Millar Catering, Inverclyde Voluntary Group, Pampered Pets and Online Furnace Services at the Greenock estate, which provides a total of 67,500 square feet of light industrial and business use.