The first new pilot cutter of the proven Halmatic Nelson 48/50 design is already under build at Halmatic's Portchester yard and will be ready for trials in July.

It will be followed by two more 48/50s moving through the yard under a rolling build programme that will deliver three new boats to ABP Southampton by the first quarter of 2004. At the front of the contract, Halmatic will also convert Southampton's existing patrol boat Protector into a survey vessel.

Halmatic's Fleet Contract Hire Scheme provides harbourmasters and other fleet operators with access to new vessels from revenue rather than having to fight for capital while the fixed single monthly payment makes life simple and entirely predictable for the accountants.

Large depreciation sums are removed from the balance sheet and Halmatic takes on the associated risk, refurbishing and selling on retired vessels or placing them in a company owned reserve fleet which provides cover should a hire fleet vessel sustain damage or require major maintenance.

'This type of service is well proven with construction equipment and cars, said Halmatic's new hire and service manager, Steve Thomas. 'Why not apply it to boats?' Thomas, who joined Halmatic from Souter Marine in September, is a naval architect with a background in design, build and survey who project managed Souter's high profile pilot lunch Humber Callisto for Humber Port Authority.

'We want to sell this model not just to other port authorities but to rescue, fire and police services as well, accommodating the full range of Halmatic vessels. All new boats will be Halmatic but we will take on boats from other manufacturers as in our Small Boat contract with the Ministry of Defence.

Very few boatbuilders would have the resources to do this but we are in a strong position because of VT Group backing' With the MoD Small Boat contract, Halmatic has additional regional support centres on the Clyde and at Dartmouth which could also support Fleet Contract Hire. Thomas is concentrating on building a firm UK client base and is currently in discussion with another premier British port but would welcome the opportunity to talk with fleet operators in other European countries.

With mechanical reliability of paramount importance to Halmatic and client alike, Halmatic has reached a key suppliers agreement with Volvo Penta to fit the new fully electronic D12 engine to the Southampton newbuilds as well as for re-engining on a policy of every five years or 10,000 hours.

The 450hp D12s will provide the Halmatic Nelson 48/50 with a service speed of 23 knots.

Halmatic service engineers will download engine diagnostics data from the ABP boats on a weekly basis in order to maintain in-depth monitoring records that will enable responsive preventative maintenance before problems occur.

MJ Information No: 17801