About us

Since the early 1970s we’ve been supporting the UK’s marine sector, providing towage and workboat services which add genuine value to our clients’ operations. Since then we’ve built up an enviable reputation based not only upon the quality and value of our services but also the honesty and integrity of our team.

A third generation family business founded by Captains Ian Metcalfe and Mick Carrier, we provide ongoing support to local ports, the construction and civils sector, the offshore power industry and more, our services ranging from from personnel transfers, workboat and shipwright services to aids to navigation support and stores deliveries.

Opening our doors in 1971, I couldn't have imagined how far Carmet would come over the next five decades.

From humble beginnings, the past fifty years have seen substantial growth, our team and our capabilities growing exponentially.

From being appointed sole towage contractor for the Manchester Ship Canal in 1989 to, more recently, becoming partner of choice for the offshore power industry, the Carmet of today is almost unrecognisable to that of fifty years ago.

None of this would've been possible, however, without the skill and dedication of our team - a fantastic group of people who I'm proud to call my colleagues.

Capt. Brett Metcalfe
Chairman

What we do

Sole towage contractor to the Manchester Ship Canal, we support a huge variety of clients within the marine sector and beyond. Learn more about our range of towage, workboat and replenishment services.

Our people

An ambitious firm, our success is down to our team, an exceptional group who make Carmet the business you see today. Say hello to our leadership and management, just a handful of those who’ve made our growth possible.

Meet our team

Our values

A strong, family business, for half a century we've been bound by the same set of values... eight simple words that guide our actions and define who we are as a team.

Integrity
An ethical family business, we believe that acting with honesty and integrity is more important than our bottom line.
Passion
We've been working the River Mersey for more than 50 years. We love what we do... and it shows.
Safety
Regardless of cost, we always put the health and safety of our team, our clients and all other stakeholders first.
Commitment
Committed to excellence in everything we do, we go the extra mile to get the job done and meet our clients' expectations.
Accountability
Unlike many firms, we won't shy away from our responsibilities, remaining fully accountable for everything we do.
Quality
We maintain the same rigorous standards with all our work, caring deeply about the service we deliver and the results we achieve.

Who we help

Over the years we've supported some of the biggest names in shipping, construction and marine civil engineering, more recently becoming a go-to supplier for the UK's offshore power industry.

Why Carmet?

A family owned business established in 1971, the company has over 50 years' experience providing towage and workboat services around the North West.

Sole towage contractor for the Manchester Ship Canal, we operate a system that ensures two tugs are always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Response time is of great importance to us as a company, as well as to our clients. We do whatever it takes to meet or even beat our clients' deadlines.

A truly honest and ethical business built upon a foundation of family values, we believe doing the right thing is more important than our bottom line.

Highly respected in the marine sector, we're trusted by some of the world's largest and most recognisable organisations, working across a range of industries.