Goodchild Marine Services Ltd

31/01/2026

31/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18LQmxTZCU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

11/12/2025

With two of our pilot boats in the Cattewater Harbour Plymouth fleet I am sure they will be a popular attraction for visitors.

29/08/2025

Following the successful launch at Seawork 2025 of our latest ORC, the 156 EVO, a fourth generation hull, we are delighted to announce that yesterday we signed the first contracted order from long standing clients Estuary Services Limited (ESL). The ORC 156 adds another dimension to the ORC range of vessels available to . One of the main benefits is that the machinery space is a similar size to the larger ORC 171 which allows for the possibility of alternative propulsion as technology develops in the future. The first build will have Scania Group DI13 diesel engines fully IMO Tier III compliant and capable of using hashtag . As with all our pilot boats, ease of maintenance is of paramount importance and therefore we have our forward access hatch allowing for main machinery removal if necessary in double quick time. But its not just maintenance that is important to us, crew comfort which comes from our world renowned hull form, which decreases slamming in heavy seas, a resiliently mounted wheels house which again dampens the effect of the sea as well as significant noise reduction. The wheelhouse is fully climate controlled with suspension seating for all of up to 9 persons onboard. Last but certainly not least is the safety of all those onboard, the vessel comes as standard with our MOB platform which not only is fitted to all our pilot boats but available for retro fitting here in the UK and around the world.

Thank you to all the ESL team for their continued loyal custom. ESL were the proud owners of the very first two ORC pilot boats here in the UK back in 2012. The latest vessel will take their fleet to 6, testament to operational capability, build quality and our continued after sales support to all of our clients. She will be operational in the Thames Estuary covering the Port of and supporting other ports in the wider estuary area.

This news continues to show that boat building within some sectors on the is buoyant and we welcome interest for careers in the industry. We currently have a vacancy for a Junior design engineer.

12/08/2025

Junior Design Engineer

We are looking for a Junior Design Engineer to work in our busy Technical Office.
Main duties and tasks include:
• Thoroughly researching new materials and processes
• Utilising specific software to create models of the product
• Organising previous engineering records and properly reporting new ones
• Working as part of a team to produce the best methods
• Attending design meetings with different departments
• Recording and analysing data
• Constantly modifying designs until the best version is reached
• Basic CAD knowledge, 2D & 3D.
• Occasional operational of CNC machine
• Engagement with boat builders in the workshop

Criteria
• Some experience of Solidworks and Autocad 2D preferred but other software is acceptable.
• High degree attention to detail
• Flexibility to adapt to the varied tasks and changing deadlines.
• Punctual
• Good communication skills
• Professional personable approach to working as part of a team

About Goodchild Marine Services Ltd

Family run award winning boat builders with over 40 years’ experience, specialising in small commercial vessels. Based at Burgh Castle near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, many of our team o have progressed through the company into managerial role over the years, demonstrating we offer more than a job but a career. At the recent East Anglia Maritime Awards, we were recognised for our inspiring approach to employment and in house training of our young staff. Due to our strong order book and the development of innovative technologies we are looking to expand our technical office with a junior design engineers’ position.
We offer competitive pay based on experience along with several other employee benefits.

Contact [email protected] or tel 01493 782301 ext 209 asking for Simon Cross, for further details

Closing Date for application 12:00 Tuesday 26th August 2025

13/06/2025

The Goodchild Marine stand was a hub of energy and innovation on the first day of Seawork 2025, with the much anticipated unveiling of the ORC 156 featuring the new IPS drive option. This next-generation pilot vessel is a result of strategic collaboration between Goodchild Marine and Volvo Penta, and Prior Power Solutions, bringing together decades of their trusted partnerships and forward looking design.

The ORC 156 is a purpose-built addition to the ORC series, designed to bridge the gap between the ORC 136 and 171. It incorporates advanced weight-saving technology and a flexibly mounted wheelhouse for enhanced performance and ride quality. Most notably, the new model offers the option of an IPS (Inboard Performance System) drive, which is a first for a UK built pilot boat.

“The introduction of the IPS drive marks a significant evolution in our design ethos,” said Alan Goodchild, Managing Director of Goodchild Marine. “This propulsion option not only improves manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency, but dramatically reduces noise levels, offering a more refined and capable vessel for our clients. It continues our commitment to innovation, quality, and durability.”

Anna Müller, CEO of Volvo Penta, praised the longstanding collaboration: “We’re proud to be here celebrating over 40 years of partnership with Goodchild Marine. The decision to integrate the IPS drive into this new pilot vessel and to launch the IPS pilot program here in the UK, demonstrates our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of marine propulsion.

“Seawork is the place to be to share the news, and we’re delighted to celebrate this important launch with everyone here today.”

Prior Power Solutions, Volvo Penta’s dealer partner, supported the launch by sponsoring a post-presentation reception and reaffirmed their involvement in the ongoing project development.

Prior Power Solutions Ltd United Kingdom Harbour Masters Association United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA) British Ports Association

01/06/2025

The Team at Goodchild Marine Services Limited accordingly invite clients, suppliers and industry friends who are attending Seawork 2025 to our annual drinks reception on Tuesday 10th June at 15:30 Stand H22. The event is kindly sponsored by fellow Norfolk exhibitors Prior Power Solutions with Volvo Penta. We also have an exciting announcement about our range of pilot boats to start the event off.

15/05/2025

Great Yarmouth Road Runners

As part of the 5 mile series 2025 saw people travel far and wide to come and run their fast, flat PB course- of which there had plenty. The new PB bell- was kindly created and supplied by Goodchild Marine Services

Supported as always by an incredible team of marshals, some of which were supplied by the Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue, a charity supported this year, through entry fees and the club raised an incredible £1000 for this very worthy cause.

Congratulations to all the participants and may thanks to the organisers and marshals that make events like this happen.

Special mention to our own Kevin Fuller and Stephanie Pimlott from one of our suppliers Prior Power Solutions.

18/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HzdqwmHrm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A massive Thankyou to Goodchild Marine Services Ltd for creating and supplying our amazing PB bell, we might be bias, but we really do love it!😍

Let us know in the comments if you got to ring our PB bell on Wednesday night!❤️💙🤍

Or will you be entering race 2 for the chance? Hope to see you there!🔔🏅

https://totalracetiming.co.uk/race/603

07/03/2025

The third in our series of posts about services we offer to Norfolk Broads boaters. Whether it is Charter, Privately Owned or Small Commercial Craft.
Hoist a 40-tonne boat lift for recovering and launching boats up to 5.1 metres beam.

There is hard standing around the yard and at the edge of the marina allowing for winter storage, short repairs on the blocks or quick underwater repairs and maintenance in the boat lift slings.

A hydraulic boat parker and tractor are available for moving smaller boats in and out of restricted spaces and a forklift and cherry picker complete the logistics picture.

Available by pre book only (excepting emergencies) Monday - Friday 08:30 - 15:00 except Bank Holidays.

Charges apply

Lift Out of water Steam Clean and either hard store or
load onto transport. £12.00 per ft
Launch (Per Lift) to and from yard £5.00 per ft
Lift/Hold/Re-launch (maximum hold in slings 1 hour) £9.00 per ft



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