Blyth Catamarans launch 18m survey vessel
Blyth Catamarans has launched an 18m survey vessel featuring a moon pool, dive lift and survey station for Swansea University.
Mary Anning features two trawl winches; a moon pool with multibeam deployment; dive lift; and an external TV to show survey results. The wheelhouse includes a wet lab with TV; survey station; dinette with TV; workshop; bow fender for turbine transfer; raised helm to give 360-degree visibility; and observation platform for bird watching.
Stuart Davidsen of Blyth Catamarans, based in Essex, England, said the vessel is “coded for MCA class VI to carry 26 students, plus standard coding for cat II 12+2.”
He added that the vessel was built in-house over a 14-month period, however, the electrical work was carried out by Resolution Marine.
MAN-powered
With a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, the vessel is powered by two MAN V8 1000hp engines and 5blade props from Clements Engineering. The wipers for the vessel were supplied by DuroWipers.
Swansea University’s department of biosciences will use Mary Anning for coastline survey, mapping critical habitats, studying water quality, observing marine wildlife and deploying marine equipment.
Mr Davidsen stated that Blyth Catamarans are currently building a 14m survey vessel, 15m passenger vessel and 12m fishing vessel.
To increase its capacity, the company has just completed an onsite factory featuring a 9m high building with gantry to more easily construct its double deck models.
It plans to build a 14m passenger vessel and then a 15m dive vessel, confirmed Mr Davidsen.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
