Olympic kudos for Redbay RIBs

The vessel was built by Northern Ireland’s Redbay Boats following a deal secured with the PLA at Seawork 2011.

The vessel is tasked with maintaining safe standards of navigation and managing the additional river traffic during the Games in London.

It will perform additional harbour patrols to check that recreational vessels coming onto the river have a mooring to go to, or pass straight through, to help keep congestion to a minimum.

Gary Fife, operations manager, Redbay Boats, said to Maritime Journal, “The PLA are pleased with the RIBs performance. The KPM shock mitigation seats are compliant with whole body vibration (WBV) guidance set down in MGN 4363. Extremely important during long patrol shifts during such an important event.”

Mr Fife told MJ that the PLA look likely to order a second 850 RIB for similar duties.

During Seawork 2012, the 850 was on display at the pontoon and it generated plenty of interest for military applications. The Stormforce 8.4 was also on show, and this is the vessel being used by Team GB in Dorset for official sailing support during the Games.

Last month, Redbay launched a new 16m pilot boat which, developed as a demonstrator, which is undergoing sea trials at the moment. It will be launched at Redbay’s Belfast HQ on 17 August in front of an audience of perspective harbour master customers.

The 1650 is unique because of its fuel consumption, which according to Mr Fife, has exceeded all expectations – at a speed of 23 knots it will only consume 100 litres per hour. Another key feature is its design. The engines are placed at the aft and are easily accessible for maintenance. In fact, the engines can be removed in just four hours as opposed to three or four days. Placing the engines at the back also means a huge reduction in noise and an increase in cruise comfort for personnel – a fundamental concept in all Redbay newbuilds.