The hull was built of steel supplied by Dewys Steel Services, whilst the wheelhouse is built of aluminium. The vessel features a moulded beam of 5.00m, moulded depth of 2.765m, and all up displacement of just under 40 tons.  Classed to Lloyds Register +100AI “Pilot” SSC Workboat G2 and to the Irish Department of the Marine, Passenger Vessel, Class P5, the design remit called for a truly multi-function vessel capable of operating safely and comfortably in sea states over force 6 in addition to coping with large steep breaking seas and swell, common in the port approaches. In its first week of service the vessel was comfortably operating at full speed, in a force 8 to 9 with 2m to 3m seas, to the operator’s complete satisfaction.

The vessel can carry out hydrographic surveying, pollution control, water sampling, port/ship operations, pushing and pilotage.

Boyne Protector is powered by two Iveco 8210 SRM 45.31 diesel engines rated 400bhp at 1,800rpm, close coupled to twin disc MG5095A 2.48:1 7^o down angle gearboxes, all supplied by Grimsby based FIMS. These turn Kort Propulsion 914mm diameter, four blade HTBI propellers, enabling the vessel to achieve a trial speed of 11.7 knots. Fuel capacity is 3,400 litres giving the vessel an endurance of about 23 hours at 100% MCR. Cooling of the main engines is via Kort supplied keel coolers whilst the dry exhaust system is routed through the transom. The layout and equipment on the vessel have all been carefully selected to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance/servicing. This is apparent both above and below deck.

The main deck has the wide clear side decks and landing area forward essential for a pilot vessel whilst for other operating roles, the aft deck has a large area for handling buoys, booms and deck cargo, worked in conjunction with the Heila hydraulic deck crane, model HLM1-1S, rated at 0.3 tons at 4.65m and supplied by MET Marine. Providing safe access around the main deck is a Hadrian rail system supplied by IYG (England) Ltd which is mounted to the wheelhouse handrail system.

Within the spacious wheelhouse there are six KAB 300K helmsmans seats supplied by TEK Seating, two for crew and four for pilots/passengers. The chief pilot has a dedicated seat with its own VHF, reading light and writing facilities while the forward port crew seat doubles as the survey station. All helmsmans seats are mounted on enclosed GRP storage boxes with inbuilt anti-slip footrests, thereby ensuring there are ample, dry, secure areas for the storage of safety gear, etc.

Finished off with oak trim, the light and airy wheelhouse has been fitted out to a very high standard of finish that is both pleasing to the eye, robust and, like the remainder of the vessel, low maintenance. Windows were supplied by Seaglaze Marine Windows, with the wipers sourced from Hepworth.

Extensive use of noise insulation materials has been implemented and in conjunction with flexible engine mounts (Southern Cross), flexible shaft couplings (Southern Cross), flexibly mounted exhaust systems (with 35 DBA silencers) and fan silencers, noise levels throughout the vessel are considered low.

Southern Cross also supplied the 24v DC electro-hydraulic steering gear which, coupled with the twin aerofoil rudders, give the vessel exceptional manoeuvring and course keeping properties.

The electrical installation was carried out by Humber Electrical Engineering. The 24v DC ship supply is provided by batteries and two engine driven 100 amp alternators. A shore supply of 240v provides power for heaters and sockets. Whilst at sea, heating is provided by hot water radiators powered off the starboard main engine keel cooling system.

Electronics in the wheelhouse comprise a Furuno Navset, Furuno 24in Radome radar, GPS, AIS-VHF, Aanderaa computing unit, Ceeducer GPS and transducer together with additional VHF’s. The navigation and communications package links neatly with the new Vessel Traffic Services systems installed for Drogheda Port Company by Transas Marine (UK) Ltd.

Hull protection comprises a heavy duty ‘D’ rubber fender, 150mm by 150mm at deck level, diagonal side fenders of a similar section and pusher bow fenders of 250mm by 250mm section. A toe rail of 95mm by 114mm ‘D’ section runs around the deck side perimeter and all fendering is attached to the hull with stainless steel bolts and internal flat bars.

Jotun Paints supplied all of the vessel’s coatings, which are based on a two pack epoxy system. The facilities at Richards Dry Dock enabled all of the external steel painting to be completed under cover.

MJ Information No:22322