Point Hope Shipyards looking at $50-million expansion

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WATCH: The Point Hope Shipyards are hoping to get approval for a $50-million expansion. Mary Griffin reports.

With close to 200 workers on site, the locally owned Point Hope Shipyards is hoping to double its workforce in the future with a new $50-million graving dock.

The project would allow the yard to take bigger vessels, up to 150-metres in length, and 30 metres wide.

“We’ve seen a growing demand for dry-docking in this region,” General Manager Riccardo Regosa said.

“Vessels are getting larger, that is the industry.”

That can translate into more jobs for people like Leonard Tan, who started working for the company seven months ago and is now an apprentice.

In 2003, financial troubles drove Point Hope into bankruptcy.

But Ralmax, a local Victoria company, purchased the 140-year-old shipyard.

And with a series of investments over the years, it’s now busier than ever says yard supervisor Robert Blamley.

“We’ll be hiring more skilled people and unskilled people,” Blamley said.

“There is opportunity for advancement through apprenticeships.”

“We like to think of this as a community shipyard,” Regosa said.

“Because it will be serving the community. It’s a great opportunity for the whole region.”

Now nearing capacity, demand is expected to only increase.

Federal approval is required for the expansion.

Mary GriffinMary Griffin

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