National marina group, boatfolk, has completed a series of upgrade works at Royal Quays Marina in North Shields.
The new developments at the multi-award-winning marina include the installation of a pontoon system surrounding the hoist dock, creating a dedicated and safe space for customers to leave their boat to be lifted by the boatfolk team, as well as the creation of additional berths. Hammerhead extensions have been added to all existing pontoons, creating 54 new 6 to 13 metre berths, alongside new pontoon installations for eight 20 metre berths. This has taken the total number of berths at Royal Quays Marina to 400.
The 17 per cent increase in the number of berths at Royal Quays Marina will have a positive impact on the local tourism and leisure economy in the North East.
Keeran Stephenson, the newly-appointed Marina Manager at Royal Quays, said: “I am excited to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Royal Quays Marina. The recent upgrades, including the installation of a new pontoon system, enhanced shore power capacity, and a £1.5m investment in the marina’s all-tide lock, underscore our commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports both leisure and commercial operations. 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.”
Keeran Stephenson joined boatfolk in December 2024, bringing more than a decade of maritime experience to the role, most recently as Assistant Harbour Master at the Port of Tyne. Keeran began his maritime career as a Deck Officer and Safety Officer onboard commercial vessels, and served as a Commissioned Officer in the Royal Navy.
Dominic Zammit, Group Commercial Director of boatfolk, added, “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Keeran on behalf of the whole boatfolk team. 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.”
boatfolk’s Royal Quays Marina sits in the heart of the North-East, close to the entrance to the River Tyne. With all-tide 24-hour access and a sheltered location, the marina welcomes sailing, motorboating, sea angling and commercial boaters. The marina was named The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) ‘Marina of the Year’ in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and is a TYHA Five Gold Anchor Marina.
For more information about Royal Quays Marina, visit: www.boatfolk.co.uk/royalquaysmarina.
For further information about boatfolk, visit: www.boatfolk.co.uk.
