Keel cool and carry on
New utility vessel handed over to Loch Duart
‘HOW big a crane can we have?’ That, according to Brian Pogson of Coastal Workboats Scotland (CWS), is the first question asked of him by fish farms when they are looking to invest in a new workboat.
And that was the starting point when Pogson and his wife Julie worked with Loch Duart, and with Karl Scott of Maritime Aqua, whose in
depth knowledge of the industry proved to be an invaluable help.
The end result came in July in Oban when a brand new Landing Utility Vessel (LUV)1608, the Lady Rebecca, was officially handed over to Loch Duart from CWS.
The workboat is designed and licensed by Damen of Gorinchem in the Netherlands, which Pogson approached once he had the precise requirements and modifications agreed with Loch Duart.
This is the fourth boat CWS has built for Loch Duart. Two were 8.5m aluminium support boats, capable of carrying one tonne on deck and operating day and night, but this is the first built to the fish farmer’s specific design. So what is the answer to the original question on the crane? Pogson explains: ‘The crane is an HS Marine AK67 supplied along with the capstans by Maritime Aqua. It can extend to 13.62m and at that extension has a load lifting capability of 3,095kg.’
The hull was developed to accommodate the impressively large crane for this size of vessel.
The boat weighs 92 tonnes, has a 7.5m wide beam and a total length of 16.5m.
This is the perfect size to get around the pens but CWS has the capability to extend the length of any new builds in 3m derivatives up to a total length of 22.5m. What else does this LUV have to offer? The ramp on the LUV 1608 has a shallower angle, meaning much easier and quicker access.
Another innovation for a boat this length is the raised height of the
wheelhouse, giving the pilot the ability to see over the end of the ramp, combined with extra large windows to give 360 degree visibility.
The bridge is fully joystick controlled and has a thermal imaging camera for added safety in darkness. Everything can be controlled from here and gives a real ‘big boat feel’.
The engine room has bright LED lighting and is fireproofed for hazardous cargo.
The boat runs on twin Volvo D9A2L engines with a total power of 710 bhp, connected to keel coolers recessed under the vessel, perfectly suited for shallow water operations and grounding.
On the 80m2 deck, with it’s 40-tonne deck load capacity, the customer’s requirements have also been met.
“The hull was developed to accommodate the impressively large crane for this size vessel” of
There is a three-tonne capstan on both port and starboard, plus an opening gate on both sides. A secondary helm control is at the forward bow. There is also a fuel transfer system and a 13-tonne ballast tank if needed. ‘We have listened to the industry to give the crew all they require,’ said Julie Pogson. ‘The mess room has a big seating area and a fully equipped galley. ‘And there are nine drying lockers with elements underneath to heat and dry work clothes, and there is good storage space for crew and kit, including all safety equipment.’
Damen’s Mike Besijn sees the potential of this design for the aquaculture market.
‘This boat is so versatile on site. To service the Scottish fish farm market, it makes sense for these to be built in the UK.
‘Our next three boats will be built by CWS and sub-contracted out by Damen.’
Damen is exhibiting at Aqua Nor on stand D-364