With offices in the Netherlands and Australia, GSS will move its current base from Rhu Marina to the Peninsula boatyard, which dates back to the 1880s, following last weeks acquisition.

The deal – including the buildings, offices, sheds, storage facilities, the yards slip ways and moorings, and all equipment – will bring to a ‘successful conclusion’ GSS’ nine year search for permanent premises for their international marine support company.

Jamie McGarry, managing director of the multi-million pound company GSS Marine Services, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have brought Silvers into the GSS group. The yard employs a hugely talented and skilled workforce.

“GSS is very keen to stay in the Helensburgh area due to its ties with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and many of our key staff live in locally. Silvers gives us the opportunity to relocate to a base that gives us long term stability.” In addition to serving as headquarters for GSS’ international marine operations – and a base for their global fleet of commercial vessels – GSS will retain the Silvers Marine Brand.

The site will provide enhanced and extended commercial and leisure marine support facilities including vessel slipping, repairs, maintenance storage and moorings.

Mr McGarry said locals will see no change and it will be ‘business as usual’ with a long term goal to develop Silvers for training.

He added: “Long-term we intend to employ more staff and initiate an apprentice scheme allowing the trades people in the yard to pass on their skills and grow Silvers into a centre for excellence, building on the magnificent history the brand has.” It is anticipated that this move will also create some further job opportunities in the local area.

GSS currently employs over 150 people in their Charter Fleet, Marine Civil Engineering, Facilities Management and Diving divisions and continue to expand both their staff and fleet of vessels.

Accounts filed at Companies House revealed the business turned over £20m last year – with almost £2m pre-tax profit.

Jackie Baillie, Helensburgh and Lomond MSP said: “This is an exciting development and I look forward to finding out more about GSS’s plans for Rosneath and the positive impact this will have on the workforce and the local community.

“I particularly welcome the news that Silverhills Boatyard is to become the international headquarters for GSS and I hope this will lead to more jobs on the Peninsula and a sustained future for the yard.” Stuart McMillan,West of Scotland MSP, added: “Silvers Marine’s proud boat building history goes back over 130 years, and it is very encouraging that GSS plan to develop the highly skilled workforce and offer excellent apprenticeships to local people. I wish them every success for the future and look forward to seeing the business develop and grow.”