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Seawork 2005 Preview

VT Halmatic Sends the Fleet to Seawork

01 Mar 2005

Portchester UK based boat builders VT Halmatic could be bringing as many as seven vessels to Seawork 2005 although it is too early for the company to be sure of which craft will be available for display in mid-June.

The new Pacific 24 RIB, VT Halmatic's next generation seaboat for the British Royal Navy, may make an appearance at Seawork 2005

One certainty, however, appears to be the replacement of the VT Halmatic built Brownsea Island tourist ferry Maid of the Harbour by the current newbuild Spirit of Portsmouth, a 32.6m LOA ferry for the Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company.

Spirit of Portsmouth is the first vessel from the relatively new Halmatic Steel Division to have its hull and superstructure built at Poland’s Wisla yard then towed to Portchester where it is currently being finished. This move towards enhanced cost competitiveness has produced a spacious and impressively well made craft which will serve well in its role as the floating venue for the many maritime association luncheons and AGMs which take place each year at Seawork.

VT Halmatic’s Steel Division has just landed an impressive contract to build three WB18 workboats for an as yet unnamed overseas operator which will be similar to Prince Rock, delivered last summer to Cattewater Harbour Commissioners. Due for delivery in early 2006, these boats will not be ready in time for Seawork 2005.

Another recent success for the busy yard has been the contract to manufacture the Royal Navy’s next generation of naval seaboat. The new Pacific 24 RIB is to be built on a proven hull form that offers excellent seakeeping and load carrying ability. Powered by a six cylinder Yanmar marine diesel driving a Hamilton HJ 241 waterjet, the craft will be capable of service speeds in excess of 39 knots.

The 7.8m RIB features an aft helm position for two crew and removable modular seating for up to six passengers in front of the engine box. An all composite single point lifting arrangement is fitted to enable the craft to be safely launched and retrieved by the Navy’s current and future surface vessels. An inflatable self-righting system is also fitted. MJ Information No: 20439

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