A BOAT that is spearheading a revival of shipbuilding on the Humber has made its "maiden voyage".
The Rix Cheetah, built under licence from Great Yarmouth-based Alicat Workboats – a subsidiary of the Gardline Group – was craned into the Humber estuary at Paull last week and towed to Hull's Albert Dock for finishing.
The vessel is the first of a £5.1m order for three aluminum workboats from Hull business Rix Sea Shuttle Ltd.
It is destined for work in the UK's burgeoning renewable energy industry, transporting service engineers and equipment to and from wind farms off the East Coast.
Work is set to be completed towards the end of June, when an official launch ceremony will be held in the city.
The boat was built at the Rix-owned former Hepworth ship yard in Paull, east of Hull.
Vessels built at the yard include the Lerrix, a 53m marine bunkering vessel.
James Doyle, managing director of Rix Sea Shuttle, said seeing Rix Cheetah lowered into the water was a red-letter day in the history of shipbuilding on the Humber.
"It's fantastic to know that our order is sparking a revival in shipbuilding in this region," he said.
"The fact is demand is being driven by the renewables sector so what we are seeing is the region's newest industry offering a lifeline to one of its oldest.
"It is opportunities like this that are going to be created as the Humber becomes a hub for the UK's renewable energy sector and with the right vision and planning, such as is the case with Rix Sea Shuttle, many local companies should be able to benefit.
"The Rix Cheetah is the first of three similar vessels that will be delivered over the next couple of years that will help propel Rix to the heart of the region's newest industry."
