ABP Southampton Gets New Marine Services

Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Southampton and VT Halmatic have signed a marine services contract. VT Halmatic will provide a Fleet Contract Hire Scheme to ABP Southampton, one of the UK’s largest and busiest ports. ABP Southampton’s existing pilot, survey and patrol fleet comprising seven vessels will be procured by VT Halmatic and leased back on a fully supported contract for ten years, incorporating a six-vessel replacement programme. The first replacement vessels will be delivered to ABP’s Gosport Pilotage Station before the end of 2003 with further vessels coming on line over the duration of the contract. The new pilot cutters will be the well-proven Halmatic Nelson 48/50. As mechanical reliability is of paramount importance the new boats will be fitted with Volvo Penta engines rated at 450 horse power to provide a service speed of 23 knots. VT Halmatic will be providing 24 hour / 365 day per year maintenance and service cover to ensure that ABP Southampton can provide a comprehensive pilotage, patrol and survey service for the busy Port of Southampton. In the event of major maintenance or damage VT Halmatic’s own fleet of spare pilot cutters are available to ensure that suitable cover is maintained.

For a competitive fixed monthly fee ABP Southampton has transferred the risk of operating and maintaining their pilotage, patrol and survey fleet. This has ensured that ABP Southampton will continue to operate a modern, well equipped and maintained fleet of vessels well into the next decade. The new VT Halmatic Fleet Contract Hire Scheme is available to commercial fleet operators who wish to take advantage of a turnkey solution for the provision of a fully maintained and supported fleet to meet their critical service requirements.