The new boats use an innovative design whereby modular 'workshop pods' and 'accommodation pods' are loaded onto barges depending on the maintenance work planned.

Workshop pods allow for safe storage of equipment and offer a dry working environment, whilst accommodation pods provide a rest area, cooking facilities and sanitary facilities. The pods and barges can either be pushed to site by tug or, where possible, more quickly and efficiently by road on the back of 7.5 ton lorries.

The award of the contract to Beta Marine follows a year of trialling a pair of prototype boats in the Midlands and two years of development by British Waterways' marine department.

British Waterways project manager Mark Duquemin said, 'The new fleet of boats will dramatically improve the working conditions for bank staff who look after the waterways.

'We awarded the contract for the engines to Beta Marine because they are able to provide a one stop shop for the provision of this critical component. Their engines and propulsion system is important to the project because of their high reliability and high efficiency and low noise and low exhaust emissions.'

The engines and associated propulsion systems, which are being delivered between last month and February 2006, form part of a £5.6m total capital investment programme by British Waterways for 23 new tugs, 29 new hoppers, and 50 modules.

MJ Information No: 21142