A SCOTTISH shipyard has won a multi-million-pound contract to supply the country’s salmon sector with a new workboat.

Inverlussa Marine Services, who are one of Scotland’s leading workboat operators, has appointed Macduff Shipyards to design and build a new state-of-the-art 82ft vessel.

The contract was signed on Tuesday at Macduff Harbour, Aberdeenshire, and is expected to create an additional six jobs at Inverlussa Marine Services, bringing its overall staff numbers to 140.

Construction of the vessel is expected to commence imminently at a shipyard in Buckie with plans for it to be completed and operational by the third quarter of next year.

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Equipped with the latest technology, the workboat will support salmon farms off the west coast of Scotland, as well as in Shetland and Orkney.

Once the vessel is completed, it will expand Inverlussa Marine Services’ purpose-built fleet to 23-strong.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (below) attended the contract signing at Macduff Harbour and praised the innovation of green technology in the aquaculture industry.

She said: “Inverlussa’s latest vessel will bring more high-quality jobs to Scotland. While harnessing green technologies to support our net zero ambitions.

“It is crucial that we continue to embrace innovation in aquaculture practices so that the sector can become resilient to the pressing challenges posed by climate change.”

Macduff Shipyards managing director John Watt has welcomed the news as he explained the vessel has been carefully designed to maximise efficiency on the water.

He said: “Inverlussa was one of the first companies in the aquaculture sector which the shipyard worked with.

“They have helped our business to expand and grow into this thriving industry.

“The vessel design has been very carefully considered and we have redesigned the propulsion package to provide maximum efficiency, ensuring that the vessel is as energy efficient as possible.”

The engines of the vessel will meet the International Maritime Organisation tier three emissions standards and will feature a hybrid battery pack.

The workboat is designed to achieve an 80% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

It will also be equipped with specialised equipment which will enhance Inverlussa Marine Services’ salmon farm mooring and grid handling capabilities.

Inverlussa Marine Services managing director, Ben Wilson, says the commissioning of the new high-tech workboat will be a real investment for the Scottish fish farming industry.

He said: “As well as providing a much-needed boost to the Scottish shipbuilding industry, the addition of this vessel to our fleet will provide even greater capacity to our thriving Scottish salmon sector.

“And provide increased capacity and capability in supporting salmon farming operations to operate as efficiently and sustainably as possible.

“Inverlussa wants to provide added value to the Scottish aquaculture sector.

“Our continuing investment in our company, vessels and people shows how we are committed to providing the best customer service.”