Seabound Engineering, a Donegal-based boatbuilder supported by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, has won the Best Export Award at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, celebrating their 25th anniversary, took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday, May 22nd. The event is run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices to recognize excellence among Ireland’s small businesses.
This marks the third year in a row that a Donegal business has been honored at the National Enterprise Awards. Living Green won in 2024 and Silver Strand Rope Works in 2023, with all three companies proudly representing the Inishowen region. Seabound Engineering, located in Greencastle, specializes in manufacturing custom-built aluminum vessels for the aquaculture and marine sectors.
The company has established a strong international reputation for its innovation, design excellence, and high-quality construction. Seabound Engineering is currently Ireland’s only SCMS-certified aluminum shipyard and exports vessels ranging in value from €120,000 to €3.2 million across various industries, including aquaculture, tourism, and search and rescue.
donegal firm wins national export award
Thomas Havlin took over the business, originally founded by his father, in 2019. Under his leadership, Seabound expanded its vision and launched its first boat in 2020. The team’s expertise and innovation have led to industry-firsts, such as Ireland’s largest aluminum catamaran and the country’s first amphibious vessel.
Havlin expressed his pride in bringing the award back to Donegal, stating, “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.”
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal, congratulated the team, highlighting the significance of Seabound Engineering’s win for the region. She said, “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.”
The Local Enterprise Offices, established in 2014, serve as an essential resource for entrepreneurs looking to start a business or small businesses seeking support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country, working with thousands of client companies in diverse sectors, offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial support.