Blyth Workcats Wins ABP Survey Boat Contract

 

At the Seawork International Exhibition in Southampton, Blyth Workcats Ltd announced that Associated British Ports (ABP) has awarded it the contract for a new 14-metre survey vessel to be built at the company’s yard on Canvey Island, Essex, UK.

The new boat will be based on one of Blyth Workcats’ established survey craft models but built to a bespoke design detailed to meet the specific requirements of ABP’s hydrographic surveyors. The vessel will be based in Hull and used for survey operations throughout the Rivers Humber, Ouse and Trent, covering the ports of Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Immingham. ABP’s four Humber ports together handle more than 65 million tonnes of cargo annually. Immingham is currently the UK's largest port by volume and in 2017 Hull will be home to one of the UK's largest port developments; the £310 million Green Port Hull project.

Blyth Workcats Ltd is becoming acknowledged as a leading builder of survey craft having been responsible for a number of highly-praised boats recently. Much of this success is attributed to the company’s ability to adapt its designs to meet the specific needs of its customers. This results in craft that are comfortable and efficient to work aboard while retaining all of the characteristics of durability seaworthiness and economy for which Blyth Workcats are known.

The new ABP boat will powered by two Iveco Cursor D90 engines de-rated to 550hp which will give it a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of around 21 knots. The interior will provide two survey desks and comfortable seating for up to six surveyors. Outside it will be fitted with a hydraulic A-frame for the deployment of survey equipment, a P500L deck crane, a moon pool and an electric multibeam sonar deployment carriage.

A feature of all Blyth Workcats is the strength yet comparatively light weight of the GRP hull which enables smaller engines to be used. This results in greater economy and higher speeds which, due to carefully designed hull profiles and chines, improve handling and sea-keeping in extreme conditions. Because GRP construction costs are significantly lower than those of metal-hulled catamarans, Blyth Workcat customers often find their budget going farther than expected.

This may then enable them to invest in higher specification wheelhouse technology and interior accommodation than might otherwise
have been possible. It is also noted that even after many years of hard use Blyth Workcats can keep their good looks and shrug-off minor damage so that they maintain resale value while users retain their confidence in the condition and quality of these versatile craft. The Blyth Workcats range includes 17, 14, 12 and 10-metre catamarans that are built for a wide range of applications in addition to survey work.

These can include wind farm support, passenger ferries, dive support, fishing charter or any of a wide range of workboat tasks.