THE biggest whitefish trawler to be built in England for eight years is under construction in Whitby.

North Sea family fishing business Lockers Trawlers Ltd, based at the Stainsacre Industrial Estate, is building the new trawler with funding from Yorkshire Bank’s North Yorkshire Business Banking Centre in York’s Investing For Growth initiative.

Parkol Marine Engineering, also based in Whitby, is building the 26-metre by 8.2-metre trawler, which will be named Our Lass III WY261.

It is due to be commissioned by Lockers Trawlers in August 2013 as the latest vessel to join its existing fleet of five vessels, which catch white North Sea fish including cod, haddock and halibut between Norway and the Yorkshire coast.

Arnold Locker, who founded the business in 1987 with cousin Michael Locker, said the new trawler would feature new technology.

He said: “We are investing in the new trawler, which will meet the latest health and safety specifications and provide excellent working conditions, to take advantage of rising North Sea fishing quotas, as well as to expand our guard ship business.”

Arnold’s son, James, 32, is the lead skipper with the £5 million-turnover business, which employs 40 people.

The business also intends to expand its guard ship service, which supports vessels involved in commercial operations such and oil and gas provision and wind farming.

Duncan Brock, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s North Yorkshire Business Banking Centre, said: “North Sea fishing is among Yorkshire and the north-east’s historic and traditional industries, and it plays a vital part of the region’s commercial diversity.

“Arnold Locker is a significant figure in the sector and we’re pleased to support the continuing expansion of his business.”