A builder of high-tech racing yachts and megayachts owned by Vitters Shipyard is taking over Palmer Johnson’s former UK operations facility.
Green Marine, which has built several of the Volvo Ocean Race participants and specializes in carbon fiber construction, is the company moving into the plant in Hythe, along the southern coast. Palmer Johnson shut down those UK operations last August. Green Marine has been operating in Lymington, a bit farther south and to the east, for nearly 30 years.
According to a report in the newspaper Daily Echo, Green Marine has a five-year lease on the property. The move will permit it to employ 120 craftspeople, which is double its current employee count. The article also states that Green Marine intends to begin building yachts to 70 meters (230 feet) within the next five years. Ultimately, Green Marine believes it will have two superyachts under construction simultaneously with upwards of five racing yachts.
The goal of building all components of private yachts is ambitious but should be attainable, given that Green Marine was responsible for the hulls of Ghost (pictured), as well as Cinderella IV, among other sailing yachts. It also built the Fabio Buzzi-designed XSR48, a high-speed sportboat capable of a reported 80-knot top end.
The Daily Echo quoted Marcel Müller, managing director of Green Marine, as saying, “Green Marine will make significant financial investment in new technology and plant to secure and expand our market position for the future.”
Leave a Reply