The 15m Meercat, to be named ØPD Enterprise, is havingsome modifications prior to shipment to Norway in March. These include fitting a 33 kW bow thruster, hydraulic anchor and crane winches, and minor alterations to the deck layout to facilitate pipe laying. The work is being carried out in house by Meercat Workboats, the builders formerly known as Smith’s Tugs. The re-branding reflects the change in the company’s direction.

Nils-Johan Tufte, ØPD’s principle, said that they had been seeking a suitable road-transportable workboat for a long time. The ØPD Enterprise, with it’s clear decks and 23.5 t/m Palfinger crane, will be ideal for their work. Additionally, the spuds and deck strength allows for a 20 ton excavator to be loaded on board and operated efficiently.

Meercat workboats are fitted with twin Doosan Daewoo 230hp main engines and, with a light draft of only 800mm, are equally at home at sea or on a lake. They are capable of a payload on deck of 20 tons. They can carry fresh water or fuel and can be mobilised from two lorry loads in less than an hour. The vessel is assembled afloat, thus the cranage requirements are for only 24 tons. Work has already started on the next Meercat, which will be available in July.