The 18.5m vivier crabber for Orkney, Noroyna K-733, then had a naming ceremony watched by the wife and children of skipper Ronnie Norquoy.

Maureen Norquoy and her children Erika, Scott and Jack along with family and friends, had travelled to Whitby from Orkney for the ceremony.

This was followed by a presentation and social evening in Whitby's Friendship Rowing Club.

The vessel was built by Parkol Marine Engineering at their yard at Eskside Wharf and its internal layout creates maximum room on deck for working and storing gear.

The launching ceremony involved a blessing of the boat by Whitby Mission to Seamen Chaplain Rev Edwin Newlyn.

Ronnie Norquoy and his crew will run fishing trials off Whitby before heading to Orkney to start fishing for brown crab catches from Stromness.

These catches will then be processed at Orkney Fishermen's Society shellfish factory there.

A spokesperson from Parkol Marine said: "About 40 people travelled down for the launch party and there was also a launch celebration at the Friendship Club on the night.

"This is the 23rd boat built by us in 10 years. We employ 25 workers and are currently working on two orders from Fraserburgh for a 17.5 m trawler and a 19m trawler. We have orders to the end of 2010, work and orders are quite prolific at the moment."