A major operational benefit already gained from the upgrade programme is that Trinity House's smaller vessels are now more multi-functional and better able to take on bigger maintenance tasks.

One recent improvement which has increased the fleet's operational capabilities has been the fitting of an Effer 10,000 crane to the 20m THL Vectis. Drawing only 1.8m, the all-rounder Vectis is able to navigate shallow estuaries and channels as well as carry out offshore marine maintenance work in deeper water. The new and more powerful crane allows the 76 tonne workhorse to lift and position buoys of up to two tonnes. Such duties were previously the preserve of the much larger Trinity House flagship THV Patricia, which has also been recently equipped with an Effer crane.

The strength and versatility of the Vectis' Effer has already helped to speed up its programme of buoy maintenance and light vessel servicing.

The crane's capabilities were demonstrated during Vectis' recent refurbishment work on the navigational buoys marking the channel to the harbour at Wells-next-the-Sea on the UK's Norfolk coast.

The new crane nearly tripled the work rate of the one it replaced and had no difficulty handling two tonne buoys in the lively seas and strong currents where Wells' channel meets open water.

The powerful new deck equipment on Trinity House vessels has not only improved the flexibility and efficiency of its fleet but has also allowed an expansion of the range and cost effectiveness of contractual services it can provide to port and harbour authorities.

MJ Information No: 17837