NEW BUOYS PLEASE

Five new navigation buoys which will play a key part in guiding LNG tankers into Milford Haven have taken to the water off the South Hook LNG terminal.

The buoys, which are constructed using leading-edge technology, form part of the Port Authority’s planned investment to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the tankers, which are due to arrive in the Haven at the end of this year.

The five navigation buoys, each with a circumference of three metres, are designed to be highly visible, and carry state-of the-art long-life, highly-efficient LED lanterns.

They were laid by Williams Marine & Port Services Limited, the company formed in 2004 when Williams Shipping Holdings Limited entered into a joint venture partnership with Milford Haven Port Authority.

The buoys are designed and manufactured by specialist firm Hippo Marine, who use foam elastomer as a material rather than traditional steel or plastic to create a robust “self-fendering” buoy hull which they claim is almost unsinkable.

They also have a 100% UV-stable colouring integrated into the outer skin, as well as a safe antibacterial coating to inhibit marine growth, and are designed so that they rarely have to be lifted back onto dry land, thus minimising the cost of ongoing maintenance.

The buoy’s LED lights, supplied by navigation aids specialist Tideland Signal Limited, feature high-tech integral solar panels and sealed lead acid batteries, and are again designed to require minimal maintenance.

Milford Haven Port Authority harbourmaster Mark Andrews said that specifying the buoys and their lighting was the result of working closely with the South Hook LNG and Dragon LNG terminals for the past four years.

“It has been a major task planning for the way in which LNG tankers will be managed safely and efficiently alongside all the other shipping and port users,” he said.

“Our work with the LNG terminals, with Hippo and Tideland means that we are confident that we are using the best available technology in this key area of safety and efficiency.”