Boatfolk expands capacity by 17 per cent in North Shields

UK marina group Boatfolk has announced a series of significant upgrades at the Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, north-east England.

The developments include a new pontoon system around the hoist dock, providing a dedicated and safe area for boats to be lifted. Hammerhead extensions have also been added to all existing pontoons, creating 54 new berths ranging from 6 to 13 metres, while eight new 20-metre berths have been created through new pontoon installations. This expansion brings the total number of berths at Royal Quays Marina to 400, marking a 17 per cent increase in capacity. 

Further upgrades have led to enhanced shore power capacity and a £1.5m investment in the marina’s all-tide lock. All developments aim to support both leisure and commercial operations, expecting to drive positive change within the local tourism and leisure economy, with more spaces now available for boaters.

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Keeran Stephenson, the newly appointed marina manager at Royal Quays, says: “I’m excited to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Royal Quays Marina.

“These developments solidify Royal Quays as a safe, efficient, and strategically located facility for all marine users while reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the North East’s regional maritime economy.”

Stephenson joined the group at the end of last year, bringing more than a decade of experience to the role.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Keeran on behalf of the whole Boatfolk team,” says Dominic Zammit, group commercial director of Boatfolk. “His varied and vast maritime experience makes him a key addition, and I look forward to seeing Royal Quays Marina continue to grow under his leadership.”