The new boats, named Svitzer Thunder and Svitzer Tornado are the first of a batch of six identical vessels that will serve the port of Milford Haven. This first pair will be used primarily to service the existing contract with SEM Logistics and Total and the remaining four will be dedicated to the LNG contracts. Crew training is well advanced.

The new boats are being constructed in Thailand by the PSP Marine Company Ltd to a design by Seatech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd. Svitzer Thunder and Svitzer Tornado and their sisters were built to comply with Lloyd’s rules and to meet the requirements of the MCA Workboat Code Category 3.

All six low profile, twin screw vessels will be virtually identical and are intended to fulfil the combined roles of powerful line handling boat, tug and passenger tender. The boats have a length overall of 12.8m, with a moulded beam of 4.5m, a moulded depth of 2.2m and a design draft of only 1.5m. Air draft has been kept to a minimum and guard rails are fitted to enable the boats to work safely around and beneath jetties and moorings. A long low profile cabin enables the vessels to accommodate up to nine passengers with a maximum crew four.

A pair of 305 bhp Nordhavn-Scania diesels are installed driving two fixed pitch propellers in fixed nozzles via ZF reverse reduction gearboxes. Gearbox controls incorporate trolling and synchronising modes to provide excellent response and the precise control over propeller speed required for a dual role workboat of this type. With 600 bhp available, the vessels have a certified static bollard pull of 8 tons and a free running speed of 8 knots.

The boats are robust and well fendered, Towing posts are provided for and aft and the bulwarks aft are cut away and faired to give an open stern for the deployment of anti-pollution booms. When line handling, the boats operate over the bow, securing mooring lines by means of a small quick release hook on the towing post. Handling and towing characteristics going astern are excellent. Likewise, when assisting small ships in the confines of inside jetty berths the boat will tow over the bow in push-pull mode.

The official naming ceremony of the vessels took place at Milford Marina on 23 August.

At the ceremony, Svitzer UK MD James Curry stated, ‘Svitzer UK has had a long association with the Haven and is committed to providing service levels which enhance the reputation of both its own organisation and the Port. Our investment in these six new line boats will enable us to provide a quality line boat service in the Haven for the long term.’

Also commenting on the investment made by Svitzer, Milford Haven Port Authority chief executive Ted Sangster added, ‘As already the fifth largest port in the UK and looking to a large increase in traffic in the immediate future, we are very conscious that our reputation, success and growth depends on a high level of service and support to the mix of customers using the port. In this context, we recognise the positive partnership that we have had with Svitzer over the last 50 years, value the significant investment they are putting into their operations, and are delighted that they will continue to be a fundamental part in enabling us to develop and expand the business in the port.’