NEW “TWO IN ONE” BOAT HARNESSES LATEST TECHNOLOGY 

15 May 2009 

An innovative new £0.5m “two-in-one” pollution control and patrol boat is to be the latest addition to the fleet of vessels operated by Milford Haven Port Authority to respond to emergencies and keep the waterway safe for all its users. 

The completely new type of pollution control craft will be an integral part of the Authority’s emergency response capability, as well as doubling as a highly manoeuvrable patrol boat.

Being built by Northumberland boat builder Alnmaritec and due to be delivered towards the end of this year, the new vessel has been designed by leading naval architect Alistair Cameron to the Authority’s own particular specification. She will replace an existing pollution craft, but with a higher level of comfort built in, will also double up to act as a patrol vessel. 

She will incorporate the latest in propulsion technology, and is being fitted with two jet drives – the first vessel in the Port to employ this technology – giving her great manoeuvrability and excellent fuel consumption. 

Constructed out of aluminium, she will have a bow door to allow access to shallow water and at 13m in length, will comfortably accommodate a Land Rover or small tractor on deck. 

Harbourmaster Mark Andrews said the new vessel showed how the Authority continues to make use of technological innovation. “We have an ongoing commitment to invest in the safety and operations of our increasingly busy port,” he said. 

“At a cost of £0.5m, this new boat is a major investment for us, but it represents particular value for money, in that we have been able to harness new developments in propulsion and construction techniques to effectively give us two boats for the price of one. “She will be particularly versatile, enabling us to maintain our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any pollution incidents, as well as having a patrol function which will help us maintain safety out on the water for all of the users of the Haven.”