There has been “zero interruption” to the construction of the in build 85 metre explorer Silver Loft II despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Production is continuing as usual at SilverYachts' Australia-based facility where more than 200 "full on busy" staff continuing construction on the sistership of Bold .
Speaking to BOAT International, yard managing director Dave Woods said the Australian government guidelines on confined working had been adopted in mid-March. “We measured up all the zones on the vessel and there was sufficient space, so production continues as usual.”
The 85 metre explorer remains on track to be delivered by the end of next year.
“We are confident that we are on track for delivery,” Woods said. “We have had zero interruption.”
While the office staff and design team have been remote working during the crisis, Woods revealed the team is considering recalling home working staff back to the yard.
Meanwhile, work also continues on the 35 metre SpaceCat catamaran at SilverYachts’ Chinese yard in Jiangmen.
The yard, which employs more than 80 staff, has been largely unaffected by the outbreak thanks to the “quick response” of the authorities, SilverYachts’ Rod Davies said.
“The local and provincial governments announced strict self-isolation measures and travel restrictions,” Davies said. This meant that “after a period of weeks” these measures were “eased to a level which allowed the workforce to return to the yard." Work has now returned to full capacity and delivery for the 35 metre SilverYachts SpaceCat remains on schedule for the middle of next year.
SilverYachts commercial director Jona Kan added: “We really do believe there is light at the end of the tunnel for European shipyards.
"I think it is important that the industry is working together to give confidence to clients and the market. Together we will get through this.”