Marine fluid-handling specialist Hamworthy has won an order worth more than £17 million.

Marine fluid-handling specialist Hamworthy has won an order worth more than £17 million

The order is from Korean group Hyundai Heavy Industries, which has asked Hamworthy to supply equipment for six liquid petroleum gas carriers. The ships will be delivered to Greek clients Prime Marine and Naftomar between August 2008 and January 2010.

The deal is the latest in a series of good news stories from Hamworthy. The company’s orders to March 2007 were up 30 per cent on the previous year at £268.2 million, and its pre-tax profits increased 56 per cent to £13.6 million. This is partly due to the development of its sales infrastructure in Korea and China, now the first and second largest shipbuilding nations in the world.

Kelvyn Derrick (pictured) is to retire as chief executive in August after 13 years with the company. His successor will be Joe Oatley, currently head of engineering services business Weir Strachan & Henshaw.

Having overseen organic and acquisitive growth that has transformed Hamworthy into a global leader in its field, Derrick can be confident that he’s quitting while he’s ahead.