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Servicing a Soaring Demand for Security Boats
01 Nov 2006
Two ex-RAF patrol boats have been sold to a Nigerian security company which will use them to combat the latest outbreak of piracy and the abduction of personnel from offshore oil rigs in that country. The deal was arranged by Plymouth Ship Brokerage, which acts as supplying broker and finance controller to local participating marine suppliers and trades.
The initial enquiry came to Plymouth Ship Brokerage through its presence in the MJ Directory. Various oil companies operating offshore from Port Harcourt in Nigeria asked local security firm Aquaseals Ltd to supply two such vessels. Having seen the advert in MJ, Aquaseals contacted Plymouth Ship Brokerage, which had the two ex-military vessels listed. Aquaseals and representatives of the participating oil companies came to the UK to inspect the vessels and establish their suitability for the role.
Once sale formalities were concluded the vessels underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to the buyer’s specification. These works were overseen by Southampton based Gridbay Ltd and included major changes to accommodation areas, the fitting of air conditioning throughout both vessels by Closewood Air Conditioning Ltd, and complete repainting in the buyer’s livery by marine painting and coating company J Kirkaldy Ltd, which carried out the task alongside the commercial berths at Itchen Marine Services Ltd. Itchen Marine Services provided fuel bunkerage for delivery specialists Redwise Marine Services BV of the Netherlands.
The vessels left Southampton at the end of last month after all the necessary safety equipment had been provided or serviced by the local branch of Cosalt Ltd. Passage was expected to take up to 10 days to Port Harcourt, where the vessels are urgently required.
Plymouth Ship Brokerage has received a letter of appreciation from Aquaseals Ltd thanking them for handling all aspects of the sale efficiently, including the legalities of obtaining export licenses, crew visas, and payment management to all companies involved. There was also a request for the supply of another similar vessel.
MJ Information No: 22401
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