The first, the Brownsea Island tourist ferry Maid of the Harbour has become a familiar presence at seawork 's floating pontoon, providing comfortable accommodation for a number of the show's significant events.

For seawork2004 , Maid of the Harbour will host luncheons for the UK Ministry of Defence, the UK Harbour Masters' Association and the Association of Diving Contractors as well as the AGM for the National Workboats Association. Other boats VT Halmatic will be bringing to seawork include Hampshire , a 48.5m pilot boat which is one of six newbuilds for ABP Southampton, and a brand new 'first of type' RTK 6065 fire boat for the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade To be named Spirit of Portsmouth the newbuild ferry is based on the existing Spirit of Gosport , in service with PHFC for two years and also designed by Camarc.

The vessel's year round operating capability will be enhanced by the addition of an enclosed upper deck saloon with a bar/refreshment area and forward facing seats for 53 more passengers, bringing capacity up to 300.

Building work is expected to commence within the next two months and will occupy the workforce which has recently completed the steel built tug Prince Rock for the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners in Plymouth.

Spirit of Portsmouth will enter service in May 2005 replacing one of PHFC's current 1966 built boats and will be fully operational for the International Festival of the Sea and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The newbuild will be powered by twin Scania DSI 12 marine diesels delivering 365hp at 1,800rpm and driving Veth steerable propulsion units.

These will provide exceptional close quarters manoeuvrability essential for maintaining the harbour ferry service which crosses Portsmouth Harbour for 18 hours a day, 363 days a year, carrying some 3.5 million passengers and 400,000 bicycles/ motorcycles annually.

For summer cruising duties, the Scania engines will maintain a steady 10 knots within the Solent area.

Spirit of Portsmouth will be built to Lloyds Register of Shipping and conform to MCA rules for class IV, V and VI.

MJ Information No: 19221