CML contracted to build new moulds for 16M Pilot Boat for Harwich Haven AuthorityBy Graeme Ewens
HHA runs one of the busiest pilot operations in the UK, providing pilotage services to the five ports in the Haven and to shipping entering the Thames from the north. Within the Haven over 11,000 boardings and landings were undertaken in 2008.
The new Holyhead 16m Pilot Launch is designed by Camarc Design of Dunoon and Shoreham and is to be built by Holyhead Marine at their yard in North Wales. It is based on a 16.5m multi-chine, deep ‘V’hull built in GRP. It is designed and built to Lloyds Register of Shipping's Special Service Craft (SSC) rules and the MCA’s small commercial vessel code, category 3. The design life of the vessel is 12 years, assuming usage of up to 3,000 hours per year, of which some 80% is at the service speed of 24 knots. With a big central keel the boat is designed to perform in the short, sharp wave patterns encountered within the HHA sea area, which extends some 12 nautical miles into the southern North Sea off the Essex coast. On average, the launches are at sea for periods of two and a half hours at a time.
A development of the proven Camarc 16m hull design, Holyhead Marine have commissioned CML in Marchwood to produce a new plug and permanent mould tools. HHA are monitoring the build process, with regular monthly progress meetings and daily contact with the designers, builders and suppliers.
Differences and modifications to previous Camarc designs include a narrower wheelhouse to give a wider and safer side deck, and fairing off the sides of the coach roof to provide better visibility when coming alongside ships.
Inside, the seating has been arranged with a central steering position and wrap around instrument console. The second crew seat is therefore set back with sufficient space for an additional six pilot/passenger seats. A spiral staircase aft gives access to the service space and engine compartment. A toilet has also been included below decks.
The positioning of deck fittings and rails has been decided from past experience. A Hadrian safety rail runs around the wheelhouse with a 180 degree turn at the aft end of the wheelhouse enabling attachment to the rail adjacent to the wheelhouse door.
The launches will be fitted with Raymarine’s navigation system and Sailor VHFs.
The Popsure fendering, an exclusive feature of Camarc designs, is made of polyurethane elastomer covered foam which is bonded to the hull and then clamped by means of a stainless steel hawser inside plastic piping.
The engine room hatch is forward of the wheelhouse, enabling the engines to be lifted straight out in a couple of hours. The two Scania DI16 engines are rated at 600bhp, giving a service speed of 24 knots.
The first launch is due for delivery in February 2010. It will be trialled for five months prior to commencing the build of the second launch, which is expected in March 2011.