Dales Marine Services, a specialist in dry dock and ship repair, fabrication and conversion, has become a founding member of the Clyde Maritime Alliance, aiming to strengthen the region’s maritime future and unlock its full economic potential.
The Clyde Maritime Alliance, bringing together leading maritime, engineering, education and public-sector organisations, was officially launched at an event last week, attended by Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, who was present for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out the group’s shared ambition.
Dales Marine joins BAE Systems, Babcock Marine (Clyde), Dales Marine Services, Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow), Malin Group, Peel Ports Clydeport and JFD Limited (part of James Fisher & Sons) in the Alliance, alongside its key partners the Glasgow City Region, Skills Development Scotland and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
Back row, left to right – Stuart McLeod –Director of operations - Dales Marine Services Ltd; Susan McKay – Commercial Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; Hannah Davenport – Finance Director, Malin Group; Councillor O’Donnell – Vice Chair, Glasgow City Region Cabinet; David Dishon – Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ferguson Marine; Richard Devlin- Managing Director– JFD Global; Gordon McGuinness – Director of Industry and Networks, Skills Development Scotland; Michael McNally – Head of Regional Economic Development, Glasgow City Region.
Kevin Paterson, Chief Executive Officer at Dales Marine Services, said: “We are proud to be a founding member of the Clyde Maritime Alliance. Dales Marine is deeply committed to the future of our industry and this collaboration will do much to strengthen the position of the Clyde as a vital hub for the UK's maritime sector.
“We look forward to working with the other members to build on the area's maritime heritage and support continued growth, skills development and an effective transition of skills to the next generation. This Alliance represents a significant opportunity to attract investment and drive economic growth for the Clyde and beyond, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has come together to make it happen.”
The Clyde Maritime Alliance’s first priorities will be to promote skills and workforce development, alongside inward investment, collaborative funding bids and the creation and delivery of major strategic opportunities that have the potential to transform the area’s maritime economy.