Around 80 staff at Sunseeker are set to find themselves employed by an international logistics company instead.

The Dorset-based luxury boat builder is in "advanced negotiations" with DHL Supply Chain to provide its logistics services.

DHL would manage all in-bound freight, as well as goods receiving, stores, kitting, shipyard material movements and the line-feed of production parts.

Sunseeker says DHL would also “implement a programme of transformational improvements and accelerated digitalisation to support the company’s future growth plans”.

The company says it is planning to transfer around 80 staff from its warehouse and logistics operations to DHL. The move would affect Sunseeker staff in both Poole, where the business is based, and Portland.

The staff would be moved to the new supplier under TUPE (transfer of employment undertakings, protection of employment) regulations.

Michael Straughan, chief operating officer at Sunseeker International Ltd, said: “Our supply chain is a critical function given the value and volume that we manage on a daily basis.

“On conclusion of the negotiations, our colleagues will be joining a leading global brand in the logistics industry and will remain key to the ongoing success of our complex supply chain.

“This is not only good news for Sunseeker but for the wider Poole community too.”

Sunseeker employs around 2,600 people and produces around 150 boats a year ranging from 38-161ft.

Its majority shareholder since August 2013 has been the Chinese conglomerate the Dalian Wanda Group, which has invested in turning around the previously loss-making business.

Earlier this year, Sunseeker said boat operations – excluding other operating income – had increased by almost £10million year on year in 2028, with profits growing from £1.1m to £6.6m.

In September, it unveiled its Predator 60 EVO, the first model in a “renovation” of its product line financed by a £50m capital investment over five years.

By 2022, it intends to have a range of 24 models compared with 11 in 2018.