Home | WILLIAMS SHIPPING CELEBRATES THE CHRISTENING OF WILLDISCOVER

12th September 2025

WILLIAMS SHIPPING CELEBRATES THE CHRISTENING OF WILLDISCOVER

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Williams Shipping has proudly announced the official christening of its latest vessel, Willdiscover, at Millstone Point, Shamrock Quay. The ceremony saw over 100 guests, comprising of partners, clients, colleagues, family members and friends, gather in celebration of the company’s newest addition to its expanding marine fleet.

Built by renowned Dutch shipbuilder Neptune Marine, Willdiscover is a modern multi-purposevessel incorporating the latest marine technology, enhancing its operational versatility and capability.

The christening of new vessels is a tradition cherished by the Williams family, established with prior fleet entries like Willfreedom and Willsupply.  The vessel was blessed by Port Chaplain Kate Powell and then, in keeping with the family tradition, one of the youngest members of the Williams family, Anna Williams, daughter of Logistics Director Jonathan Williams and granddaughter of Chairman Eric Williams, had the honour of naming Willdiscover and breaking the champagne bottle against her hull, invoking good fortune for the vessel’s upcoming projects and voyages. Following the blessing and naming, guests enjoyed a lunch and drinks reception aboard Blue Funnel’s Ocean Scene, rounding off a memorable day of celebration.

Eric Williams, Chairman of Williams Shipping, commented:
“For us, the christening of a new vessel is more than just a ceremony, it’s part of our family’s story. We have marked these milestones for generations, and it is wonderful to see the tradition continue with Anna naming the vessel. Each vessel carries not just our name, but our values and our history. Willdiscover represents both our heritage and our commitment to the future of the marine industry.”

Philip Williams, Managing Director of Williams Shipping Marine, added:
“Willdiscover is a fantastic addition to our marine fleet. Its increased power, specialist equipment, and versatility mean we can take on more demanding projects for our clients and expand the scope of the services we deliver. We are excited to see the vessel in action and are confident it will play a key role in supporting our customers across the marine sector, as well as reinforcing the values that have shaped Williams Shipping for over 130 years.”

The christening ceremony marks Willdiscover’s official entry into operational service, and the vessel is now ready to take on a wide range of projects, supporting clients across the marine sector and continuing the company’s legacy of service, reliability, and progress.

  • I just wanted to say thank you – it was a very challenging site to work at and make delivery to. Your drivers showed courtesy, patience and professionalism throughout the day

    Philip Kingston,
    Kingston Building Solutions

  • Thank you for your assistance, it was very much appreciated and a special thank you to Bob who did a fantastic job.

    Jenny Wilkinson,
    Interserve Defence Ltd

  • We are very happy with the service provided by your company, especially the driver and we will be using your company for any future work.

    Bob Sarkar,
    National Gritting Service

  • I would like to personally thank you, as a company, and every one of your drivers for their professional approach to the deliveries to our site, all of your drivers have been absolutely fantastic.

    Andy Jenner,
    EP Renewable Energies Limited

  • On Behalf of the Environment Agency and the Residents of Romsey and Winchester, I would like to convey our warmest gratitude for the support you provided during recent flooding. Without you we would not have been able to respond as quickly or effectively as we did.

    James A Humphrys,
    Environment Agency

  • We would like to thank yourself and your team at Williams Shipping for all your help last week, your team were great at getting us around and in position where and when we needed to be in spite of some rotten weather.

    Cliff Stonestreet,
    Fully Fused Fireworks Worldwide Event Management

  • Thank you very much for your assistance and I have to say the two crew members on the vessel could not have been more helpful.

    Steve Beck,
    Burgess Marine

  • May I take this opportunity to thank you for an excellent service, could you also please pass on my thanks to all of your skippers who have helped us over the past few weeks.

    Gwyn Goforth,
    Svitzer UK