A perfect corner of England
DEVONPORT's Appledore facility
During the spring of 2004 DEVONPORT's parent company completed the acquisition of Appledore Shipbuilders at Appledore in North Devon.
The strategic acquisition of this famous shipyard, with a world class reputation for the design and build of sophisticated vessels, enables DEVONPORT to offer clients a complete 'turnkey' service, from an owner's initial idea right through to final hand over.
Ships have been built in the Appledore area since the time of Sir Francis Drake, in the fifteenth century. In 1588 Queen Elizabeth 1 gave the village "free port" status, because of its vital role in providing ships and seamen to fight the Spanish in the Armada.
Geographically the site is located on the beautiful North West coast of Devon, where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet at the estuary, before flowing over the 'bar' into Bideford Bay and the wider sections of the Bristol Channel.
The village itself is full of history. Looking back from the quayside, narrow streets, hidden lanes and cobbled courtyards preserve the intriguing history of the past. Originally a fishing village; grandiose Georgian style 'Captains' houses are interspersed with quaint fishermen's cottages, and age old pubs like The Royal George on Irsha Steet (01273 474335), where real ale is served alongside a variety of local fish caught and sold daily.
The modern day shipyard first came into being in the late 1960's, with completion of the main enclosed dock in 1970. Since that time, following periods of nationalisation and de-nationalisation in the 1970's and 80's, Appledore Shipbuilding has survived upon a first class reputation for technical know how and craftsmanship. With a willingness to adapt and remain flexible to whatever the demands of an ever changing market have called for.
Vessels of up to 130 metres and as varied as sail training ships, survey ships, dredgers, ferries, gas carriers, offshore support and most recently yachts have been built here. As a result, and through DEVONPORT's continuing guidance and investment, this huge skill resource can now be channelled into building ever more sophisticated yachts.