Harwich Haven Authority took delivery of their second 16m Pilot Boat on 26th August 2011. The ”Saint Christopher” had a faultless transit around from North Wales which took three days. This second boat, joins its sister vessel “Saint Brendan” which has been in service since May 2010.
Representatives from Holyhead Marine had the pleasure recently of attending the official naming ceremony for the first Pilot Boat delivered to Harwich Haven Authority last month. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Harwich Haven Authority, guests were welcomed by Stephen Bracewell the Chief Executive before the craft was blessed by Rev. Peter Mann then finally named by Ms Jill Gibbs.
The newly named St Brendan will now start its work at Harwich and we wish its new owners the very best with their new boat. The vessel is the first of two to be built for the Authority the second of which is due to start mid October.
Holyhead Marine’s first of class Pilot Boat left today on its delivery passage to Harwich Haven Port Authority in Essex, the voyage is expected to take 4 days. The craft is an important new build for the boatbuilder as it marks the yards introduction into the highly competitive Pilot Boat Market. The boat was very well received throughout its acceptance trials meeting all requirements and even surpassing the required speed of 24 knots by nearly 4 knots. This has allowed the maximum revs to be limited improving fuel economy and giving a greater engine life whilst still achieving the speed required. The craft will now enter an evaluation period at Harwich Haven to highlight any refinements that are required to the design before work on the Authorities second boat will start.
Holyhead Marine Services Ltd has won a prestigious contract to build two pilot boats for Harwich Haven Authority. The yard has invested in new mould tools for the new 16m Camarc design which will feature Scania Di16 engines powering twin screws. The mould tool however is constructed in sections and could be adapted to mould a longer 18m version with either propellors or waterjets.
The contract is an important one for Holyhead Marine Services marking its entry into the Pilot boat market as well as being a suitable design for use as a military patrol boat.
One of the most interesting boats on the floating pontoon at Seawork International 2007 will be the Holyhead Marine, 15m MoD Police Patrol Boat. This first of class boat, designed by Camarc Ltd and built by the Anglesey based yard is to serve as the next generation MoD Police craft. The new design GRP hulled vessel is also a natural for other patrol roles, the pilot boat market and other workboat applications. The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) has the largest Marine capability of any police force in the UK, with units at HM Naval Bases at Devonport, Portsmouth and Faslane on the Clyde. MDP Marine Police officers exercise constabulary powers and privileges in UK territorial waters in relation to Crown property. They escort and protect warships and submarines, both UK and international, within the Dockyard Ports.