Compositeworks, the France-based superyacht refit and rebuild specialist, has recently completed the refit of 107m M/Y Ulysses at its La Rochelle facility. SuperyachtNews speaks with Rob Papworth, director of Compositeworks, about the project and what developments are on the horizon for the shipyard.

“Ulysses had an extremely tight schedule because the aim was to get her to Monaco for the Grand Prix,” says Papworth. “Her works included a complete hull fairing, from unfaired to topcoat, this was completed in around 10 weeks, on time and on budget. We believe we completed these works in 25 per cent less time than would usually be required”.

Her finish, provided by Rolling Stock, exceeded ICOMIA standards. The works also included several technical and aesthetic optimisation jobs, such as handrails, new crew quarters and VIP balconies. Papworth explains that the speed of the project was aided greatly by Compositeworks’ recent investments in its technical office and project management software.

All in all, the Ulysses project included more than 170 people working together, including 40 crew members, providing a significant increase in activity for a number of the businesses local to La Rochelle.

Papworth explains that Compositeworks is in the process of signing a thirty-year concession on its dry dock at La Rochelle. “At the moment, we are on a short-term concession as part of the transfer from Atlantic Refit Centre,” he says. “Now we are putting together an investment plan for the long-term concession. In the meantime, it is important to keep getting projects to La Rochelle so we can seed out the best, and worst, of the local market.”

Compositeworks is currently in the process of tendering for three €20million+ refit projects. “We have strong enquiries across all of our facilities,” continues Papworth. “There has been a certain amount of uncertainty that had previously hindered our progression in recent years. But, now we have shown that we have the capacity and ability to conduct large projects across La Ciotat, Marseille and La Rochelle.”

On MB92 entering the fray at La Ciotat, Papworth says that the Spanish refit specialist has “changed the landscape at La Ciotat and that this has been a wonderful opportunity for everyone to witness the benefits of a collaborative attitude between yards. We have worked together to achieve this and I’m sure that working together in the future it is going to be beneficial for us both.”

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