A FIRM behind major harbour developments in Europe, Asia and the Far East has won the race to run a Greenock marina.

Hampshire-based Marina Projects has been named the new operators of the facility at James Watt Dock.

The firm, which also has an office in Hong Kong, was founded in 2002 and has been involved in over 200 developments around the world.

The company is currently engaged in developments in China, New Zealand, Spain and Montenegro.

It will now be tasked with carrying out a major expansion of the Greenock dock and redeveloping the nearby Great Harbour, taking over the reins from current operators Blue Sea Marinas.

JWD Marina is part-owned by urban regeneration firm Riverside Inverclyde and the property and land division of Peel Group, which also runs Clydeport and Greenock’s Ocean Terminal.

Fiona Maguire,  inset, RI’s acting chief executive and a board member of James Watt Dock LLP, said: “I would like to thank Martin and Craig Latimer of Blue Sea Marinas for successfully providing the management and support services over the past years in the establishment of James Watt Dock Marina.

“The LLP is now moving to a different business model and Marina Projects Ltd, in submitting the successful proposal, will bring its considerable experience, expertise and strength of investment to take James Watt Dock Marina to the next level.”

The Tele revealed on Friday how plans are in place to extend the 124-berth JWD Marina by 40 in the next 12 months and to create 200 new moorings as well as purpose-built offices, boatyard facilities, chandlery and a cafe or bar at the Great Harbour over the next three years.

Marina Projects will now be in charge of overseeing the development.
JWD Marina was set up in 2010 and an initial five-year contract was awarded to Blue Sea, which was extended for another 12 months.

The company has been responsible for overseeing the development and management of the facility — which has more than doubled from 60 to over 120 berths — as well as running the marina business, infrastructure, pontoons and staff within the LLP.

But the lease was put out to tender in October last year with a view to enhancing the existing facilities into permanent purpose-built premises and creating one of the principal marina operations on the River Clyde.

Existing staff at JWD Marina working under Blue Sea Marinas will be given the opportunity of retaining their roles with Marina Projects.