THE opening of 75-tonne travelling lift crane at Yaringa Boat Harbour, Somerville, is expected to boost boat building and servicing opportunities.
The mobile crane will enable businesses at the marina to store and service larger boats.
The lift was launched on 16 June by Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh (below).
Mal Hart, director and owner of Hart Marine Boat Builders, formerly headquartered in Mornington, said the upgraded boat harbour will boost the marine industry in Somerville, the local economy and marine-related job market.
Hart Marine specialise in building pilot boats, patrol and SAR vessels built to the self-righting ORC design by Pantocarene France.
Hart Marine, which also remains in Mornington, has been in the boat building industry for more than 40 years. The travel lift was designed and engineered by A W Maritime, constructed by the Hart and Yaringa team and installed by P W Johnston marine piling and construction.
Hart said the lift made Somerville’s Yaringa one of the state’s leading harbours for handling such large boats.