Thursday 8 January 09 - 06:27
 

Ship & Boat Building

Bluefinn Builds Bridges in Ireland

Following successful sea trials, Mooney Boats has delivered a new Bluefinn 20 workboat to their countrymen at Ascon Ltd, the largest civil engineering contractors in Ireland.

The new Bluefinn 20 will give a  useful 20 knots powered by an economical 40hp outboard.
The new Bluefinn 20 will give a useful 20 knots powered by an economical 40hp outboard.

Ascon will initially use their new Bluefinn 20 as a workboat and fast rescue craft on the construction of a bridge over Mulroy Bay in County Donegal

The landmark structure will be a high level, multi-span 350m long link over a sea estuary, with a main span of 100m and a clearance height for shipping of 20m.

Designed as a sturdy and safe workboat by Marine Design International, the Bluefinn 20 has been fitted with an efficient 40hp Mariner outboard which gives the new owners a useful top speed of 20 knots. The vessel has been classed with a P4 license by the DCMNR and will be used primarily to transfer workers to and from the various construction sites.

The vessel’s design concept is derived from RIBs. There is a self draining deck and the hull, bulwarks and forward compartment are all watertight, allowing the vessel to stay afloat even if completely swamped. However, the lack of inflatable tubes allows for a wider deck within the beam restriction. The removal of slotted boards either side of the engine leaves the transom flush with the deck, allowing no water to gather there. This is similar to the Atlantic 75 lifeboats, and the wide, low space either side facilitates easier recovery of divers or casualties if used in a rescue role.

Structurally the Bluefinn 20 is designed well in excess of Lloyd’s special service craft rules, with a combination 6mm and 8mm marine grade aluminium ensuring the boats withstand the hard working life to come. The Bluefinn 20 is available in various configurations orientated towards passengers or cargo.

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