United Kingdom

Norfolk Interiors

Pendennis: Masters of versatility, new-build and refit

Refit, rebuild and new-build lie at the heart of Pendennis. We explore the strategy & structure shaping the company’s success.

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Masters of versatility: At the shipyard with Pendennis 

As preparations for the upcoming&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a>&nbsp;are underway, Features Editor Leona Caanen takes a dive into the show’s focus on the refit market.A prominent superyacht-agenda has been crafted for the show, with a special focus on the refit market. In this year’s edition, the show has added a special focus on refit, focusing on enhancing the sector’s growth through inspiring innovations and the sharing of knowledge.The Superyacht Zone at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> is a central meeting point for the global refit sector to collaborate, as well as anticipate future trends in the market. For the 2025 edition, the Superyacht Zone will extend across three halls (8, 9 and 10), making it the most influential gathering of the superyacht trade sector. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373428/image/large-3384f760ec90fa47a536efeea33db4e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373428">Refit expertise at The Superyacht ZoneThere are approximately 6,000 active vessels that require regular, major works. At the show, visitors of the Superyacht Zone can expand their knowledge of refitting a superyacht, how it impacts the entirety of the leisure marine ecosystem as well as how &nbsp;to capitalise on the high demand for refits. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> has teamed up with leaders in the refit industry the likes of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7941" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 Group (Company)">MB92</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Marseille ITM Refit (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts Marseille</a> and the Australia Refit Cluster (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Echo Yachts (Company)">Echo Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate Marina &amp; Shipyard</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3255" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard</a>), who will be exhibiting and sharing insight into their refit capabilities.Beverley Hart, the Marketing and Communications Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> notes how “the introduction of the refit area at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade - 2025">Metstrade</a> reflects the growing importance of the refit sector. Not only does it support the 6,000 superyachts that require work, but also the wider sector which benefits from the power of these refit-shipyards.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> is eager to contribute valuable insights on how the refit sector can continue not only to grow but also to innovate within the leisure marine industry. “This year, we are excited to bring together all the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Group</a> companies to exhibit under one roof at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade - 2025">Metstrade</a>. That and introducing our industry colleagues <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cockwells (Company)">Cockwells Modern</a> and Classic Boatbuilding and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norfolk Interiors (Company)">Norfolk Interiors</a>, for the first time,” Hart adds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373429/image/large-4b744ca23aa304b13ad9a259262dd71b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373429">Superyacht Stage: An industry spotlightThis year, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> has also introduced the Superyacht Stage, where events focusing on refit, as well as other important superyacht industry topics, will be discussed. The Superyacht Stage is located right next to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> stand, where key interviews with decision-makers in the refit sector and elsewhere will focus on shaping the future of the superyacht market.Director of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a>, Merijn de Waard, emphases the importance of a show like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade - 2025">Metstrade</a>: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> is always evolving for the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors. The show has grown year after year, and we at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">Superyacht Times</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina World (Company)">Marina World</a> are proud to be long-standing partners.”The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> aren’t the only ones who are excited: “The Superyacht sector is experiencing positive momentum and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade - 2025">Metstrade</a> provides a unique opportunity to launch the growth trajectory even further, providing unique opportunities to uncover new products and innovations which add value to the onboard experience,” shares Niels Klarenbeek, Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373427/image/large-9c3a7c6c9e1fc384b26b5c8b49b67e7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373427">The Superyacht Zone’s dedicated stage will host senior editors and market analysts from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Group (Company)">the Superyacht Group</a>, alongside a group of hand-picked esteemed guests. Together, they will discuss what they expect the refit and rebuild market will look like over the next ten years, as well as what developments they hope to achieve. This session is taking place on November 20th at 13:15 on the Superyacht Zone stage.Later that day, Yiannis Andriotis, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6958" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leapher Shipbuilding BV (Company)">Leapher Yachts</a>, together with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Group (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a>, will dive into the world of yacht construction. The discussion will unveil a unique behind-the-scenes look at what goes into starting a new shipyard facility. To gain valuable takeaways from industry experts, come visit the Superyacht Stage, in the Superyacht zone at 15:15 on November 20th. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373430/image/large-520d7b3dd4a196cc57ce5e05b3880dab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373430">The expansion of the Superyacht Zone at this year’s show matches both the increasing excitement and innovation in this sector, all of which is currently thriving. “There is a lot to learn for the wider industry, as well as essential actions for shipyards, to continue to push for this growth,” Niels adds. The expanded Superyacht zone, and the addition of the Captains’ Club and high-end restaurant Harbour 8, provide even more of a reason to visit the Superyacht Zone.For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.metstrade.com/zones/superyacht-zone" target="_blank">Superyacht Zone</a> and the <a href="https://www.metstrade.com/programme?location=2.+Superyacht+Stage" target="_blank">Superyacht Stage programme</a>.

The Refit Market: Metstrade 2025 to focus on innovation and knowledge within the refit sector

As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Falmouth</a> enters a new phase of growth and investment, SuperYacht Times sits down with Charlie Ross, Director of Operations, to discuss current activity at the yard, future plans, and how the company continues to blend craftsmanship with technological innovation. &nbsp;Having joined the business almost 20 years ago as an ex-Lloyd's surveyor, Charlie has worked throughout the company’s spectrum of operations, from refit project management to new-builds. He is now bringing his broad collective experience to the management of the Falmouth facility, working closely with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2873" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Vilanova (Company)">Vilanova</a> facility and partners at both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cockwells (Company)">Cockwells</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norfolk Interiors (Company)">Norfolk Interiors</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360143/image/large-3d0e289de973e834b3f34e6ff3850edf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360143"> Are there strategic or physical developments on the horizon?&nbsp;The most recent development has been the reorganising of our management structure, which allows us to focus more effectively moving forward. My role centres on Falmouth, ensuring clear ownership and direction. Stephen Hills can now focus on the Group’s commercial activities and Toby Allies on client engagement. We’re planning both in five-year and 15-year horizons – not just business goals, but also how we’re perceived by the community and the industry as a whole.&nbsp;We are also making physical amendments to the yard in Falmouth and have secured planning permission to raise the roof on part of the dry dock, which will allow larger vessels with more air draft to enter. We’re also extending Hall 3 – where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6289" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fox34.86m (114'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2024">Fox</a> was built – by 40 metres, adding capacity, workshops, and new technology. Currently we can handle a single 75 metre and a 50 metre yacht simultaneously. The dry dock upgrade will allow us to accommodate two 75 metre yachts simultaneously, meeting current, and hopefully future demand for our services. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/325968/image/large-1443b1fbe4f1427100735cb56f5e73de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/325968">Following the delivery of the 34.86-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6289" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fox34.86m (114'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2024">Fox</a>&nbsp;last year, has there been a shift in perception of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2873" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Vilanova (Company)">Pendennis</a>&nbsp;as a new-build facility as well as refit?&nbsp;Definitely. Over recent years we’ve completed some highly significant rebuilds and reconstructions such as the classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.8m (192'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> and more recently <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3535" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jester68.8m (225'9&quot;)OY Laivateollisuus1972">Jester</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/697" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf58.83m (193'0&quot;)J. & K. Smits Scheepswerven N.V.1957">Seawolf</a>, which have shone the light on our refit capabilities.&nbsp;The completion of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6289" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fox34.86m (114'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2024">Fox</a> last year, however, was an opportunity to demonstrate to the industry that our expertise is excellently translated to the completion of complex new-builds. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6289" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fox34.86m (114'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2024">Fox</a> was an unusual project, coming to us in a partially completed state, we were able to employ a lot of our technological and design abilities to the yacht and put our own print on it. The final yacht has been extremely well received, and we are certainly open to more new-builds, though we do not have plans to transition into a solely new-build yard. &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Falmouth</a> is a full-service shipyard, and we employ all of our staff directly which gives us excellent control over timelines and quality. That being said, in the past 18 months we’ve had the aforementioned and highly significant rebuild of the 58.83-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/697" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf58.83m (193'0&quot;)J. & K. Smits Scheepswerven N.V.1957">Seawolf</a>, as well as an electric-propulsion aluminium catamaran for the Thames; alongside the refits of returning clients such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2349" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rebecca42.42m (139'2&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd1999">Rebecca</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/344" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Teleost49.07m (160'12&quot;)Feadship1998">Teleost</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Catalina44.75m (146'10&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2001">Catalina</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1613" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adix64.85m (212'9&quot;)Astilleros de Mallorca S.A.1984">Adix</a>. Our long-serving team means many of the people who worked on a yacht years ago are still here for its next visit, and the lessons learned from refits directly inform our new-build practices, which I think makes it a very solid combined offering. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360146/image/large-1b3d0f93fb14ef19b9957d6841a91d7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360146"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Falmouth</a>&nbsp;has made significant investments in technology, could you elaborate on that with some specifics?&nbsp;In the first instance with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6289" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fox34.86m (114'4&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2024">Fox</a>, we used our 3D scanning capability to capture the built structural environment accurately so that we could then allocate the net space to systems engineering and allow the modelling of the interior carpentry and cabinetry to be developed in the envelope. Further to this to improve production efficiency and quality we elected not to use drawings but had the live digital models on iPad for the production teams to use for installation. This was a first step, next time I can see this being further augmented in some way to further improve the outcomes.&nbsp;At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> we’re always looking to improve our facilities and services, and our most recent technological development has been the opening of a new Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) on-site in Falmouth. The DMC extends our current capability with additional CNC cutting, profiling and machining equipment to fully leverage our existing 3D scanning and design capability.&nbsp;On-site we have a CNC water cutting machine capable of cutting almost any material 200 mm thick, 4-metres long by 2-metres wide. We can also tap holes and mark parts if required. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360149/image/large-350d90b6559d884eb6b7bd6a9db2db94.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360149">How has the integration of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norfolk Interiors (Company)">Norfolk Interiors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cockwells (Company)">Cockwells</a>&nbsp;within the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>&nbsp;portfolio benefited your clients and developed the offering?&nbsp;With the additions of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norfolk Interiors (Company)">Norfolk Interiors</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cockwells (Company)">Cockwells</a> our clients can benefit from the increased capabilities and experience that each subsidiary brings, whether it's designing and building bespoke interiors or offering high quality custom tenders. We think each brings coherency to our offering as a high-quality provider in the industry. Falmouth acts as the mothership, sharing technical expertise and benefiting from reciprocal knowledge exchange. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2873" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Vilanova (Company)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/351395/image/large-0d4f8dea45977909dcede234952a63d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/351395">Pendennis</a>&nbsp;has tended to favour a few long-term projects alongside maintenance work, rather than overloading. Is that still the case?&nbsp;Absolutely. As a full-service yard, the trade mix needs to fit. Long-term projects allow us to manage resources efficiently while also handling shorter refits. It means our technical and design specialists can contribute real value across the board.&nbsp;We’re not an out-and-out new build yard, nor just a quick refit stop. Clients come to us for technically challenging projects or tight timelines. We aim to deliver Northern European standards but with a more tailored service and continuity through facilities like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2873" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Vilanova (Company)">Vilanova</a>.&nbsp;We operate year-round, and the maritime tradition here means people love working at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>. With a motivated workforce spanning generations, we’re committed to delivering excellent service. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360144/image/large-0a275b5f3e56089f2708c16213d90fd0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360144">How central is team longevity and training to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>?&nbsp;Very central. Our average workforce age is around 37, thanks to ongoing apprenticeships. But we also have veterans who’ve been here since day one – there’s a wealth of knowledge, around 6 million man-hours. We recently repaired a timber sailing yacht’s hull using techniques mastered over decades. That continuity and expertise defines us. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360148/image/large-f798fc5a55378e2e50c5da13b3addf96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360148">Finally, what do you see as your biggest challenge in leading Falmouth?&nbsp;A major focus is keeping skills development attractive to young people. We had over 300 attendees at our apprentice evening and 108 applicants for about 20 places – that’s promising. But we must ensure there are clear pathways into management or technical roles. We recently launched a digital manufacturing centre, grouping CNC and profiling tools with 3D scanning and other innovations. And of course, sustainability is a key challenge. We've hired a transformational lead to drive this agenda – it’s the start of a critical journey for the company.&nbsp;

Charlie Ross Pendennis Falmouth future

SuperYacht Times sits down with Charlie Ross, Director of Operations, to discuss current activity at the yard, future plans.