Pantocarene and the Bernard Shipyard will be bringing Margodig, the first example of the most recent ORC 140 Class of French rescue boats to the seawork2002 floating exhibition. It is the first of 15 ships ordered by the French Rescue Institution (Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer) and was delivered last summer.

A second boat is currently under trials before delivery, with the third and fourth vessels currently under construction.

The main feature of these 14.05m long vessels is their 'beak' planing hull, known as the Orca concept and developed for the purpose of improving the seakeeping and speed of hard chine hulls in rough seas without diminishing stability or speed in calm waters.

The aim is to behave as well as round hulls in head seas and as well as hard chine hulls in following seas. The pleasing result sees Margodig able to run at more than 20 knots into head seas with 4m head waves and a 45 knot wind with very little slamming.

It also features excellent course keeping in high following seas, good manoeuvrability as well as low resistance and trim at pre-planing speeds. The vessel is also selfrighting, cannot be submersed, and features a sheltered ramp for a RIB. Two 331kW diesel engines driving propellers provide a speed of 26 knots.

Already this year Pantocarene and the Bernard Shipyard have produced Loire 18, an 18m long self-righting pilot boat for Saint Nazaire Pilots and P XII, a 13.5m long pilot boat for Dunkerque Pilots. Negotiations are underway for sister ships to these vessels with Saint Nazaire Pilots and Dunkerque Pilots as well as with Le Havre Pilots for another new design.

The French Rescue Institution is negotiating for a series of longer rescue boats.

MJ Information No: 16837