Port of London Authority Inks Deal on New Catamaran Survey Vessel
The Port of London Authority (PLA, UK) has sealed a deal to put a new purpose-built survey catamaran on the River Thames to replace its existing survey vessel Yantlet. The CTruk MPC19, designed to be fuel-efficient, is to be delivered later this year.
The new boat will continue the PLA Hydrography team’s vital survey work facilitating safe navigation on the tidal Thames. It is home to the UK’s second biggest port, is the busiest inland waterway and hosts the largest concentration of rowing clubs in the country.
The CTruk MPC19 is a hydro-dynamically optimised twin-hull design that boosts smooth passage through the water. She also has a low draught for shallow water access and a low air draught (height) so it can get under Thames bridges with ease. The boat can accommodate up to 12 people (two crew and 10 passengers) and features include:
- Water-jet propulsion (for a high level of control and low draught)
- A 4-metre survey-capable Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.)
- Cruise speed of 18 knots
- Survey speed from 2 knots
- Fuel efficient to save operating costs
- Top-of-the-range echo sounding systems and ancillary survey equipment
- Deck that can take loads of up to 1 tonne per square metre
- A Palfinger foldable knuckle crane
This type of boat is popular with offshore wind farm support work. Essex-based supplier CTruk will build the FRP composite vessel using a vacuum resin-infusion technique, giving a smooth hull shape and lean body frame that will allow for a more efficient passage along the Thames. CTruk has built 18 of these multi-purpose cats to date, with the popular design racking up thousands of service hours on 24/7 operations in the UK and Europe.
Capt. John Pinder, port hydrographer, expects this boat to be an excellent addition to the fleet. He stated that she offers more space to the busy crew and its fuel efficiency is a bonus that will help the Port Authority keep costs down.
Image: An artist’s impression of the new survey vessel for PLA.
