MST's high tech range of GRP, aluminium and advanced composite hulled RIBs (from 4.8 to 21m in length) has expanded substantially since 2002 and is winning a major share of the commercial RIB market. From the outset, MST directed its attention to serving the commercial market (rather than the leisure sector), using the latest 3D CAD engineering software and a uniquely flexible business model to design and supply a wide variety of RIBs.

MST’s principal buyers come from the ‘business (or National Authority) to business’ category and Seawork has been a crucial contributor to expanding this network. 'We are purely defence and commercial', is how Phil Hilbert sums up MST’s overall drive, adding that, 'our principal markets are defence, law enforcement (police, border control, fisheries), SAR and special operations.'

MST recently expanded its manufacturing facility to over 10,000 sq/ft and anticipates increasing its turnover to in excess of £3m in 2008. Its international client list of coastguard, water police, fishery protection, sea rescue, research, environment agency, airport and naval end users is impressive. MST currently has numerous active agents in Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and the Pacific.

On Stand 149 at Seawork 2008 MST will be exhibiting its new 10.5m rescue RIB, the MST 1050 Rescue. This new model is fitted with twin Volvo Penta D6-370 SOLAS approved 6 cylinder diesels (with MG5050C gear boxes), which drive through a pair of Hamilton HJ274 waterjets. Maximum speed (with full fuel, four crew and an inventory of operational equipment) is an impressive 38 knots.

Each crew ember has a Shockwave shock mitigating seat on the self righting rescue RIB, which has a composite hull, aluminium topside fabrications, stern recovery platform and the ability to carry a comprehensive inventory of rescue related equipment with specific stowage arrangements.