A large number of tug repair contracts are being handled by A&P Falmouth this year.

The firm’s managing director Peter Child said: “Tugs are coming to us from all over the UK for dry-docking, refits and painting. Customer feedback indicates that we do an excellent job and that leaves our customers very satisfied. “ A&P’s own tug Ankorva is currently dry-docked with the Clyde-based Serco tug SD Mars and the Southampton tug Svitzer Sarah.

Serco Denholm is a joint venture between the Serco Group and the Denholm Group to provide marine services in support of the Naval Service at its three main naval bases, Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde.

The Fowey Harbour Commissioners’ Schottel tug Cormilan (ex Coatham Cross) is expected soon for docking along with the Bristol Channel based Svitzer Melton.

Mr Child confirmed that the yard had won a contract to dry-dock the large Italian ro-ro Grande America next month. The 58,000-ton vessel runs between Europe and West Africa.

The European shiprepair market is always cyclical but Mr Child said enquiries continue and A&P’s marketing and commercial teams are constantly chasing new contracts.