ALICAT Workboats, Great Yarmouth's specialist provider of aluminium catamarans has successfully completed its first vessel since its launch last year.Based at Richards Dry Dock and Engineering, Alicat's highly skilled and experienced workforce constructed a brand new aluminium metre catamaran, the Gardian, in less than nine months.

ALICAT Workboats, Great Yarmouth's specialist provider of aluminium catamarans has successfully completed its first vessel since its launch last year.

Based at Richards Dry Dock and Engineering, Alicat's highly skilled and experienced workforce constructed a brand new aluminium metre catamaran, the Gardian, in less than nine months.

The Gardian is also the first small boat of its type to be built and launched in the port.

The 21.5m multi-purpose vessel is suited for turbine transfers and providing a platform for marine mammal and bird surveys - essential during the construction of offshore wind farms.

Alicat has recently installed a brand new repair and maintenance dock at Richards and also has access to the Yarmouth shipyards dry dock, which provides full steel and aluminium repair, and a brand new marine engine test centre.

Alicat workboats general manager Steve Thacker said: “This is a huge achievement for us and the future of Alicat Workboats and a credit to our workforce.

It also helps establish Great Yarmouth with an important role to play in the fast growing renewables market.”

Next week, Alicat plans to launch the catamaran at Sea Work International boat show in Southampton. Following the show the company will begin three new catamarans and the Gardian's first project will commence off the UK's west coast.

Alicat is part of the Yarmouth based marine support company Gardline Group.

For more information visit: www.alicatworkboats.com.