Marine Plant Hire Expands Fleet
Monday, 8th June 2026
Marine Plant Hire Expands Fleet with Damen 2611 Multicat Workboat
Latest addition to the Marine Plant Hire fleet offers a versatile, proven work platform to marine contractors in UK waters and beyond
DARTMOUTH, UK – 8 June 2026 – Marine Plant Hire (MPH), the Devon-based specialist marine plant and vessel operator, has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a Damen 2611 Multicat workboat. One of only a handful of vessels of its type available for charter in the UK, the new addition strengthens MPH’s capability to support a wider range of marine infrastructure projects while meeting growing demand across the sector.
The Damen 2611 is a highly versatile and seaworthy vessel designed to support a broad range of marine operations. Featuring a spacious flat working deck, shallow draft, powerful cranes and heavy-duty winches, it is ideally suited to towing, dredging, diving, surveying and other marine civil engineering activities.
The multi-million-pound investment forms part of MPH’s ongoing commitment to providing contractors with a comprehensive fleet of vessels and specialist equipment for mid- and large-scale marine infrastructure projects. The Multicat joins MPH’s existing fleet of more than 35 workboats, barges and specialist plant assets.
Prior to joining the MPH fleet, the vessel operated in a variety of international locations, including Mozambique, Iraq and Uruguay, demonstrating its suitability for challenging environments both in the UK and overseas.
“The 2611 Multicat provides us with an opportunity to support a wider variety of projects and clients,” said Rich Eggleton, Managing Director of Marine Plant Hire. “Chosen for its proven pedigree, this go-anywhere, do-anything vessel is exactly the type of asset our clients need on larger and more complex contracts. We’re confident it will be in high demand, not only across the UK but throughout Europe and beyond.”
The vessel will be formally named in honour of Tom Scruby, recognising his longstanding contribution to several companies within the Ancora Group.
“Naming this vessel after Tom is incredibly fitting,” Eggleton added. “He has provided decades of knowledge, leadership and friendship to MPH and our sister companies, and we wanted to recognise that contribution in a meaningful and lasting way. We hope his name continues to inspire everyone who works aboard and relies upon this remarkable vessel.”
The official naming ceremony will take place during Seawork International 2026 in Southampton. Ancora Group will host friends, clients and industry partners on board for drinks and networking from 13:30 on Wednesday 10 June.
About Marine Plant Hire
Marine Plant Hire (MPH) is a specialist marine plant and vessel operator providing workboats, barges and marine support services for infrastructure, construction and marine civil engineering projects throughout the UK and internationally. As part of the Ancora Group, MPH operates a modern fleet designed to support complex marine operations safely and efficiently.
