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RIBs On the Rise from Merseyside
01 Oct 2007
Liverpool UK based MST (Marine Specialised Technology Ltd) is experiencing increasing demand for its range of GRP, aluminium and advanced composite hulled RIBs (from 4.8m to 21m length). As a result, it has recently doubled its factory size and taken on extra CAD engineers, naval architects and engineers to handle its growing order book for rescue boats, patrol boats, work boats, high speed interceptors, rapid insertion craft, pilot boats and law enforcement craft.
MST's unique new 4.8m waterjet propelled search and rescue RIB has a stern rescue ramp, is self righting and is handlebar steered. The first production version has been delivered to a high profile European Search and Rescue Organisation after 12 months of exhaustive testing on a prototype. The craft’s inboard turbodiesel and waterjet drive are controlled electronically via handlebar type steering with twist grip throttle and jet bucket control. A stern ramp recovery system incorporated into the hull enables automated recovery into the 21m mother ship.
Going up in size, MST recently supplied three 10m fast patrol wheelhouse RIBs to an overseas Coast Guard. Powered by twin Cummins QSB5.9 diesels (rated at 355hp each) and driving Hamilton 274 waterjets, these 44 knot craft have exceptional acceleration and heavy weather performance. The four crew members sit on suspension seats. These craft have deliberately been kept functional, to aid servicing and maintenance (with minimal local facilities and resources) over an expected 12 year service life.
Another recent overseas Coast Guard order was for three of MST’s well proven 750SR stern ramp launched, boarding and interception 7.5m RIBs, to be operated from 42m cutters. The craft are powered by single Cummins QSB5.9 diesels rated at 355hp, direct driving Hamilton 274 waterjets for 38 knot all weather performance. Search and rescue is the mission for an unusual new 10.0m craft that MST is currently building to operate as an airport crash tender. It is also equipped to launch an onboard mass evacuation raft system for 60 people. This craft is built in accordance with MCA Open Rescue Boat Code and powered by twin Volvo Penta D6 diesels (rated at 370 hp each), driving Hamilton 274 waterjets and is a favoured choice for vessels designed to pick up casualties and also occasionally having to operate in very shallow waters.
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