Pictured: The Seabound Engineering team receiving the Best Export Award at the National Enterprise Awards, representing Local Enterprise Office Donegal.
Donegal boatbuilder Seabound Engineering, supported by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, was among the winners at this year’s National Enterprise Awards, taking home the Best Export Award.
The awards, now in their 25th year, took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday 22nd May and are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate excellence among Ireland’s small businesses.
This marks the third consecutive year a Donegal business has been recognised at the National Enterprise Awards, following wins by Living Green in 2024 and Silver Strand Rope Works in 2023 – all three proudly representing Inishowen.
L-R, Thomas Havlin, CEO and John McColgan, Manager of Seabound Engineering, who won the Best Export Award at the National Enterprise Awards, representing Local Enterprise Office Donegal.
Based in Greencastle, Seabound Engineering is a specialist manufacturer of custom-built aluminium vessels for the aquaculture and marine sectors. The company has built a strong international reputation for its innovation, design excellence, and high-quality construction. It is currently Ireland’s only SCMS-certified aluminium shipyard and exports vessels ranging in value from €120,000 to €3.2 million across a growing range of industries including aquaculture, tourism, and search and rescue.
In 2019, Thomas Havlin took the helm of the business originally founded by his father. While the company had traditionally focused on serving the marine industry, Thomas charted a new course. Under his leadership, Seabound expanded its vision and launched its first boat in 2020. The team’s expertise and innovation have seen Seabound deliver industry-firsts such as Ireland’s largest aluminium catamaran and the country’s first amphibious vessel.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring this award back to Donegal,” said Thomas Havlin, CEO of Seabound Engineering. “It’s a great recognition of the skill and commitment of our team, and a tribute to the strong maritime heritage of Greencastle. Our goal has always been to show what’s possible from the northwest, and this award reinforces that.”
The Seabound Engineering team, pictured with members of Donegal County Council and Local Enterprise Office Donegal, celebrating after winning the Best Export Award at the National Enterprise Awards. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal, congratulated the team, saying: “Seabound Engineering’s win at the National Enterprise Awards is a proud moment for Donegal and a shining example of the world-class innovation coming out of Inishowen. This marks the third year in a row a business from the peninsula has brought home a national award – a remarkable achievement that reflects the strength of the region’s enterprise sector. We’re delighted to celebrate Seabound’s success – it’s a testament to the incredible talent, resilience, and ambition that exists right here in the northwest.”
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eleven years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see https://www.localenterprise.ie/donegal
For more information on the winners of the National Enterprise Awards, visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/
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