We are delighted to welcome John Pavitt, our new Slipway Manager to Harland & Wolff (Appledore)!

As part of this role, John will be responsible for the day-to-day running of Appledore’s patent slip, New Quay site and the “small boat facility”. This will encompass all associated ship repair and small boat construction activities.

John Pavitt commented: “I grew up in Appledore and have observed the workings of the slipways through the years, I’m now incredibly grateful to be part of both the history of the yard and the new Harland & Wolff Group.

Specialising in shipbuilding, refit and refurbishment and having built 200 vessels, I am excited to join the team as we branch into the ship conversion and modification sector kicking off with the current Ministry of Defence contract.

Harland & Wolff has invested significantly in the future of the Appledore shipyard, and it is a privilege to join such a dedicated shipbuilding and refit team. I now look forward to working with an innovative team and passing the knowledge and skills learnt from previous generations on to the next.”

ABOUT JOHN
After gaining his apprenticeship qualification as an electrical and mechanical engineer, John began his career working within his family business. The business focused on marine engineering and specialised in the diagnostic and repair of various types of vessels from container ships at the local port of Bideford to tugs and trawlers.

Contracting to Appledore shipyard, John has worked alongside the Appledore team at the patent slip and small boat facility slipway, refitting RNLI lifeboats and helped with diagnostics and repairs to MOD landing craft, commercial tugs and fishing trawlers.

In his mid-twenties he moved to Australia to work in the gold mines, however, John continued to work within the marine sector between contracts.

John came back to the UK in 2014 and, prior to joining the team at Harland & Wolff, built up his own successful business providing maintenance support to local enterprises and factories with his electrical and mechanical knowledge.