But it is the first example to be fitted out specifically for a port authority and as such carries some important items of additional equipment.

The new vessel replaces its 33-year-old predecessor, also named Duke of Normandy , carrying out towage, general port maintenance duties and working around the Jersey harbours and the neighbouring islands ( Maritime Journal -January 2005). It is expected to transform and extend the services undertaken by Jersey Harbours, a subsidiary of the governing body, the States of Jersey.

With four times the power of the earlier tug, the new vessel carries a wealth of additional equipment. In keeping with other vessels of its type it has a powerful 140 tons/metre Heila hydraulic crane, a large clear working deck, stern roller and bow thruster. An important facility is the ability to handle full size navigational and mooring buoys efficiently. Buoys are lifted using the crane and a Damen hinged chain stopper is fitted on the portside deck edge to control the mooring chain. Mounted adjacent to the stopper is a horizontal, powered, gypsy with a 5 tons safe working load, with access to a small chain locker provided below deck. The latter can accommodate two 60m lengths of 32mm stud link chain.

Duke of Normandy will be expected to provide emergency response and limited salvage capability in the area and is equipped for the purpose. Two demountable Lamor stiff brush, side sweep skimmers can be rigged on either side of the vessel to recover spilled oil from the sea surface. Each unit is 6m long and capable of recovering up to 40m 3/hr. A dedicated tank is designed to accept a maximum of 20.5m 3of recovered oil.

Another unusual feature on any Shoalbuster is a comprehensive fire fighting system with two manually operated monitors situated above the wheelhouse.

The system is supplied by a SHHI-NOWA fire pump with a capacity of 600m 3/hr powered, along with the main deck hydraulic system, by a Caterpillar 3306B TA auxiliary. A portable diesel powered portable pumpset of 300m 3capacity is also carried for salvage purposes.