Despite a lean period before Christmas and a number of redundancies, the New Year has got off to a good start for A&P Falmouth with work booked in for the next three months.

The busy start to 2014 sees all three docks occupied this month and although there is a “more confident feel” in the marketplace, it has been acknowledged that there are still “tough times” ahead.

The company underwent a restructure due to the depressed commercial shipping market, delays in the project to dredge Falmouth Harbour and the repair cycle of the Ministry of Defence contracts.

Ships currently in the dockyard include tanker FSL Hamburg, a Condor Ferry and pipeline trenching vessel Calamity Jane.

The 180m FSL Hamburg is undergoing work, including the replacement of the exhaust boiler. She will be followed into number two dock this weekend by the P&O Ferries’ Pride of Kent and then the Irish Ferries’ Oscar Wilde at the beginning of February.

Earlier this month, the Star Standard reefer completed a ten day docking, and has been followed into number three dock by the Condor Express and Condor Rapide, the third Condor Ferry at A&P Falmouth since September.

Work on the Calamity Jane includes survey and general repairs, as well as the overhaul of the four retractable Azimuth thrusters.

Projects in the pipeline over the coming weeks include the Serco tug SD Hercules, which has arrived from Plymouth for dry docking; the Torpoint Ferry Tamar II and the restoration and upgrade of the SS Shieldhall.

Managing director, Peter Child, said: “I’m very pleased to say 2014 is looking promising so far. We have a busy first three months of the year, and already have other projects booked up until June.

“But although business has picked up, there are no major MoD ship refits until April 2015 and we still face tough times ahead because the commercial market is really competitive.

“The whole team here works hard at securing repeat business and being as flexible as possible. A&P Falmouth has a worldwide reputation for excellence and efficiency, providing excellent value for money and a high standard of workmanship.”