About Brooke Marine

Brooke Marine, founded in 1874 by John Walter Brooke, was a prominent shipbuilding firm based in Lowestoft, England. Initially a foundry, the company expanded into boatbuilding and shipbuilding in the early 1900s. Known for constructing civilian and commercial vessels, as well as minor warships for various navies, Brooke Marine operated until 1992.

In its early years, the company subcontracted boatbuilding but established its own shipyard in 1911. During World War I, the shipbuilder expanded into munitions production and, later, built boats up to 52 feet in length. World War II saw the company producing and servicing motor launches and landing craft for Allied forces. In 1940, Harry Dowsett acquired the company, renaming it Brooke Marine.

A new shipyard was built in 1954, and the old one was closed in 1955. Brooke Marine produced over 300 craft, including fishing trawlers for the Russian government and patrol crafts for the Pakistan Navy. In 1968, the company won the Queen’s Award to Industry for Export Achievement. Nationalized in 1977, it became part of British Shipbuilders until a management buy-out in 1985.

The yard closed in 1987, but the name and some assets were acquired in 2006, relaunching as Brooke Marine Yachts Ltd until 2009. The shipyard was later repurposed for various marine-oriented businesses. Notable ships built include the Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, the royal yacht Al Said, and the sail training ship Young Endeavour.