A new 320 tonnes travel lift, believed to be one of the largest hoists of its type in the UK, has been installed at Sunseeker International's Osprey Quay Shipyard on Portland in Dorset. The new hoist, supplied by Wise Handling Limited, has a height of 13.m, an overall width of 15m and weighs 108,000 kg.

The new travel hoist, which has been built to launch or retrieve boats up to 320,000kg, has been acquired to operate with a brand new lifting dock. The dock, similar to that at the company's Poole Shipyards, has been specifically built to meet the demand for boats over 30m (100ft).

With a range of larger craft already in production - including the 37 Metre, 34 Metre and 30 Metre Yachts, along with the Predator 108 - the travel lift will also have the ability to elevate and move even larger vessels such as the Sunseeker 46 Metre Yacht currently in development and the Predator 130, which is due to be launched later this year. In addition, the hoist will have full remote control facility with double speed winching - enabling greater flexibility in moving boats.

Sunseeker recently announced its intention to build superyachts over 50 metres and the 11 acre site at Osprey Quay, along with the facilities now available, will be an important part in the company's future development.

SuperYachtWorld, 20 February 2009