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MCA Takes Delivery of New Fleet

VT Halmatic has recently delivered the first vessels in a new fleet of eight boats to the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Vessel builder VT Halmatic is also providing a comprehensive five year maintenance package for the new MCA fleet.
Vessel builder VT Halmatic is also providing a comprehensive five year maintenance package for the new MCA fleet.

The new fleet craft comprises an RTK Logistic Support Boat, four Pacific 32 RIBs and three Arctic 22 RIBs. All craft have been built to Lloyds Register of Shipping Rules Report 10 and the MCA Brown Code Category 3 Rules and are designed to fulfil the MCA's wide operational requirements around the United Kingdom coast.

The RTK Marine Logistic Support Boat (LSB) is a commercial derivative of the successful Combat Support Boat currently in service with the UK Ministry of Defence. The craft features an asymmetrical narrow tunnel hull form and is powered by twin Yanmar inboard diesel engines coupled to Hamilton waterjets to provide a service speed in excess of 30 knots. The large wheelhouse will accommodate six crew on individual suspension seats and boast a galley, air conditioning and day heads.

The Arctic 22 rigid inflatable boats will be trailer mounted for ease of deployment and will be powered by twin 90hp outboard motors providing a service speed in excess of 30 knots. The craft is designed to be operated by a two-man crew and carries an MCA compliant liferaft. This craft marks the latest development of the Arctic 22 with similar boats in service with numerous rescue organisations and military authorities.

The Pacific 32 rigid inflatable boats feature a large air-conditioned wheelhouse with seating for six crew, again a galley and day head is provided. Twin Yanmar inboard diesels will drive Hamilton waterjets to give a service speed in excess of 30 knots. The boat is fully self-righting and is capable of operating in extreme sea states.

A similar vessel is in service at the US Coastguard Base in Cape Cod where it operates in 10ft surf.

The LSB and Pacific 32 boats are fitted with the Pilotfish vessel monitoring system. Each boat is equipped with a 'black box' which, using numerous sensors, registers various on board conditions which are collated and relayed continuously via the Internet.

VT Halmatic are also providing a comprehensive countrywide maintenance package that will run initially for 5 years.

MJ Information No: 17818

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Vessel builder VT Halmatic is also providing a comprehensive five year maintenance package for the new MCA fleet.

Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2008. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.

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