Boatfolk’s Royal Quays Marina in North Shields has increased its capacity from 350 to 400 berths following upgrades carried out by Walcon Marine. The work was completed in two phases and included extending existing piers, installing a new pier and replacing the marina’s lock pontoons.
Completed in autumn 2024, the first phase focused on extending piers A to F and adding Pier G. The second phase was finished in spring 2025, which introduced a new pontoon designed to improve access to both the marina’s boatyard and hoist dock. The designed solution aimed to enhance operations and provide easier access for vessels.
Walcon Marine deployed its Ravenstein barge, equipped with a piling rig, to accelerate construction. The barge’s modular design allows it to be transported by road and quickly assembled on site, improving project efficiency.
Marina Manager Keeran Stephenson said: “From planning through to final snagging, the Walcon team were excellent: professional, proactive and quick to address challenges as they arose. They delivered a significant extension to the marina and boatyard, including new pontoons and driven piles, with regular site visits from the project manager to check progress, resolve issues and ensure everything stayed on track. The end result has made a real operational difference to the marina, and their collaborative approach gave us confidence at every stage.”
Situated near the entrance of the River Tyne, Royal Quays Marina offers a sheltered location with a range of services. These include a fuel berth, a boatyard with a 40-tonne travel hoist and fully serviced berths. On site, visitors can access a sail and powerboat dealership and the Boatpoint brokerage. The marina serves as a base for sailing, motorboating, sea angling and commercial activities.
The upgrades allow the marina to accommodate vessels up to 50 metres in length and meet increased demand from both leisure and commercial users. Royal Quays Marina is part of boatfolk, which operates 11 marinas along the UK coastline, providing facilities and services for recreational and commercial boaters.
Founded in 1963, Walcon Marine specialises in the design, construction and installation of marinas, yacht harbours and berthing facilities worldwide. With manufacturing facilities in the UK and Australia, the company’s pontoons and infrastructure can be found in over 30 countries across five continents.
