HIGH TECH PILOT BOAT ORDERED IN £1M PROJECT

Milford Haven Port Authority has let the contract for the latest of its radical new pilot vessels to a local boatbuilding firm after competition for the project from 10 yards across the UK Ireland and Holland.

Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd, based in Pembroke Dock, West Wales, will build the 19-metre Skomer, which has been designed by leading British designer Camarc Ltd using its proven, innovative double chine hull shape to be fast and nimble.

It will enable the vessel to provide quicker access to ships to deliver pilots on board, a continuation of the trend towards improved customer service set by the Port Authority’s purchase of Robert Hastie four years ago.

Also designed by Camarc Ltd and in service since 2000, Robert Hastie was faster and more responsive than the Authority’s fleet of pilot boats which is being replaced – a necessity with the likely increase in ship movements in the Haven with the advent of LNG.

With a similar hull design to Robert Hastie, Skomer will have a number of additional features including environmentally-friendly holding tanks for waste water, and advanced engines and control systems.

The 10-person, 50 tonne vessel is designed to have a minimum service life of 15 years, and will be used in heavy weather under very severe conditions. Typically operating in swells of up to five metres with significant wave height, Skomer’s structure is likely to be subjected to 1,000 vessel boarding impacts each year of its life.

Milford Haven Port Authority harbourmaster Mark Andrews said he was delighted to be able to award the contract to a local firm.

“Mustang beat the competition hands down on this tender, and we look forward to seeing the results of their work by the late summer next year,” he said.

“This is a significant investment for us, not just because the value of the project is in excess of £1m, but because Skomer will mean that we can maintain the high standards of service and safety which our customers expect from us.

“Robert Hastie was a successful pioneer for us in that way, and I am sure Skomer will enhance our capability in the vital area of pilot transfer.”

Mustang Marine’s Kevin Lewis said he was delighted to be tasked with the construction of the new pilot vessel.

“Having built the Robert Hastie, we are well placed to understand and execute the build of the new vessel to the exacting standards set by the Port Authority,” he said.

“Mustang Marine is now recognised as a leading builder of a range of specialised craft and this contract also helps in securing the future of our highly skilled workforce.”