Pollution control boats make waves in China
The two new Alnmaritec Wave Skimmer class boats undergoing trials at Blyth before their delivery.
UK specialist boatbuilder Alnmaritec has recently delivered two new oil pollution control boats for operation in China.
The new Wave Skimmer class boats were delivered by Alnmaritec to Elastec American Marine, which also supplied all of the oil recovery and storage equipment on board. These boats follow on from the successful Wave Provider class boat that was delivered by Alnmaritec for operations in the same region last year.
The innovative design has a hydraulically operated garbage scoop at the bow for floating waste collection which can deposit up to two cubic metres into a removable skip on deck. In addition to trash recovery, the boats have proprietary dynamic oil collection chambers matched with Elastec skimmers.
The boats are fitted with 5 m3 of recovered oil storage capacity together with a ballast system that ensures their trim remains optimal at all stages of the oil recovery process. They are fitted with inboard diesels driving twin waterjets, which provide excellent manoeuvrability as well as a very shallow draught for operating close to beaches and ramps. The boats are very robustly built and capable of taking a substantial cargo on deck (in place of the skip), which makes them exceptionally versatile harbour craft.
“We were delighted with this contract on three fronts, said Alnmaritec managing director Chris Millman. ‘Firstly it reinforces our presence in the very important Asian market, secondly it improves our profile within the pollution control sector and thirdly it demonstrates our continuing commitment to technical innovation as a crucial part of our company strategy.”
Alnmaritec specialises in design and build of aluminium alloy workboats including ferries, rescue boats, line handling tugs, patrol craft, wind farm support vessels and pollution response boats.
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