An artists impression of the new “Our Lass IV”, one of the new trawlers ordered by Yorkshire firms Lockers Trawlers and UK Fisheries Ltd from Parkol Marine Engineering
A new £16 million investment by Yorkshire-based Lockers Trawlers and UK Fisheries Ltd has been confirmed, with the joint venture placing an order for two state-of-the-art trawlers from Parkol Marine Engineering in Whitby.
The move is being hailed as a boost to British shipbuilding and a vote of confidence in the future of sustainable whitefish fishing in UK waters.
The 24-metre vessels, scheduled for launch in 2027, will be capable of operating either singly or in tandem as pair trawlers and will be based out of Peterhead. Each vessel will have a gross tonnage of 400t and a 200m³ fish hold, designed for targeting whitefish species in the North Sea.
The deal was formally signed at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona in May.
“This is a great day for fishing in the UK,” said Arnold Locker, Managing Director of Lockers Trawlers. “Our partnership with UK Fisheries means that together we can invest £16m in Yorkshire shipbuilding and ensure British fishermen have the very best and most sustainable equipment for catching whitefish in the North Sea.”
Rebecca Bennett, General Manager of UK Fisheries Ltd, said the investment underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and to supporting skilled workforces in coastal communities.
“By partnering with Lockers Trawlers and Parkol, we’re enhancing our fleet’s efficiency while reducing environmental impact through the latest technology. This project directly supports UK jobs in shipbuilding and fishing communities.”
Parkol Marine Engineering, which has a long-standing relationship with Lockers Trawlers, described the contract as a significant milestone.
“This project introduces a new class of vessel built wholly in the UK,” said Commercial Director Sally Atkinson. “It supports domestic supply chains and aligns with the National Shipbuilding Office’s strategy of retaining value within the UK economy.”
The announcement comes at a time when the UK fishing sector is facing considerable political and regulatory pressures, but this latest investment signals ongoing ambition in the fleet renewal process and confidence in the long-term viability of the British whitefish industry.
