Friday 27th March saw a significant occasion for the group with the launch of the 23 metre Windfarm Support Vessel ‘Iceni Vengeance’. The event marking the official handover to new owners Iceni Marine Services Ltd.

In a ceremony attended by nearly 100 guests, the occasion marked a first, as it is the first time a vessel from the South Boats IOW range has been built by the Alicat Workboats team in Great Yarmouth.

Picture – 23m Waterjet WFSV Iceni Vengeance.

Guests joined an excited team from both yards to enjoy a champagne reception and mark this significant occasion. With clouds parting on script, the vessel was officially christened by Margaret Turner, wife of Turner Group chairman Alan Turner. In line with tradition, Mrs Turner was presented with a bouquet of flowers arranged in Iceni colours and presented by Alicat Workboats apprentice Rhori Chenery, 17, the youngest of the yards apprentices.

On the stroke of 1.30pm guests were invited to a viewing area beneath the intimidating 200 tonne boatlift to hear a few words of gratitude from Alicat manager Simon Coote. Thanking both the Turner Group and Iceni Marine Services for their continued support and custom, Simon also reserved a few words of gratitude to the effort, skill and hardwork of the teams from both yards (Great Yarmouth and Cowes, Isle of Wight) to build yet another fantastic vessel.

To warm applause, Mrs Turner then took centre stage and likewise thanked the efforts of all concerned before pressing the button to bring the champagne down and mark the official christening of the groups latest 23m aluminium wind farm support vessel.

Guests toasted the occasion from a purposely erected quayside marquee before being invited to board the vessel and take a look around. The waterjet vessel is one of the very latest designs to come from the South Boats IOW range, and is sister to the recently launched CPP vessel ‘Iceni Venture’, built simultaneously at Cowes. The latest addition takes offshore service company Iceni Marine’s fleet to nine.

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