SOUTHAMPTON’S Harbour Master Martin Phipps has welded the first plate on a new workboat for the Port of Southampton.

Meercat Workboats based in Hythe are building the £500,000 craft and she will play a vital role in the safe operation of the port.

Youngsters from Hythe will be coming up with a name for the boat – and children from the winning school will be invited to see her officially named at the Seaworks exhibition in June.

Martin Phipps, said: “Laying the keel is a significant milestone and I was delighted to be so involved.

“It’s really important to us that a local company based in Hythe is building our workboat and when she comes into service, this vessel will play an important role keeping the Port of Southampton open and safe for all our maritime users.”

Jason Coltman, Managing Director of Meercat Workboats said: “It is great to have the Harbour Master welding the first plate to their new vessel.

“We are delighted to be building the workboat for the port – and it is great to get the local children involved in naming her.”

The workboat will be used for maintenance work around the port including checking the buoys and will become a regular feature of day-to-day life at the port.