Parkol latest build pictures: Whitby yard builds workboat for harbour authority in Devon

Wednesday July 8 2026Wednesday July 8 2026 by Emma Ryan

Whitby ship-builder, Parkol Marine, is preparing to set sail with its latest boat build due to be completed next month.

Build number 72 is a 15.5 metre workboat for the Salcombe Harbour Authority in Devon and will be used for service and maintenance of the moorings and infrastructure within the control of the busy Salcombe Harbour Authority.

The Salcombe Harbour Authority workboat is lifted into the water at Parkol Marine, Whitby. Picture: Ceri Oakes
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Fact File

Build number: 72
Type: workboat
Length: 15m
Construction: steel
Weight: 88 tonnes (approx)
Service speed: 6.0 knots

Named Milestone, the vessel will also be used for salvage operations, counter pollution activity and could be contracted out for other work in the south of England.

This is Parkol’s first project in partnership with Walker Marine Design Ltd, a Southampton-based naval architecture and consultancy business, specialising in the design of high-speed vessels for the commercial, leisure, and defence sectors.

Salcombe Harbour Authority has been working for several years to get the paperwork in place for its new service vessel and harbour master, Cameron Sims-Sterling, said that had taken longer than the actual build.

Marcus McCheyne and Cameron Sims-Stirling from Salcombe Harbour Authority with Jim Morrison, director at Parkol Marine. Picture: Ceri Oakes
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He told The Anchor there was another challenge in itself finding a ship-yard which could match the requirements of the build and local authority procurement, but Parkol came highly recommended by the owners of several local trawlers, also built in Whitby.

He said: “I went to see one of the fishing boats on her first trip to Salcombe and it was great to see the craftsmanship, the level of finish. They said with Parkol, these guys don’t mess with the budget and are on time, you get exactly what you pay for.

“With Parkol’s level of expertise and experience, I don’t think we will realise the true benefit of Parkol building it until we get the boat back here.

“It is our biggest investment as a harbour authority, but it is an essential part of what we do here.

“I really hope Parkol get future orders from this. It is Parkol’s first build of something like this and first build working with a naval architect, but I would have absolutely no issue recommending them.”