Trans-Atlantic custom exhaust collaboration

Both vessels were built by Goodchild Marine of the UK for Estuary Services Ltd and operate from Ramsgate, supporting Thames pilots in the busy Southern North Sea and Thames estuary.

Estuary Elan was the first of an innovative design by French naval architect Pantocarene to be built in the UK by Goodchild Marine. Formally handed over to Estuary Services at Seawork 2012, Estuary Elan incorporated a planing hull and beak bow design, which allows for stability and higher speeds, even in the worst of sea states.

With the success of Estuary Elan, next came Estuary Elite, handed over at Seawork 2013.

The design of both vessels required careful consideration of the environment in which they operate and the demands in general made of a pilot launch. Twin Scania 600hp engines were coupled with custom designed exhaust components to optimize performance, along with the sound attenuation necessary for crew comfort.

Ian Mereweather of Manuflex and Bert Browning of Centek Industries worked together to offer a service to meet the specific needs and requirements of Goodchild Marine and its customer, Estuary Services Ltd. The result was a combination of stainless steel risers with insulated jackets and supports along with 8” x 10” dual stage Vernalift mufflers with a durable white gel-coat finish.

“We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with a builder of Goodchild Marine’s expertise on these innovative vessels. If the excitement around the ORC 171 at the recent Seawork show is any indication, Goodchild Marine is going to be busy in the months to come”, said Bill Arwood of Centek Industries.

“At Goodchild Marine we know from experience that exhaust design is critical to the long-term performance of the engines and to the noise and vibration within the pilot vessel in operation so we take it seriously within the overall design. Dealing with Ian and Bert was both easy and professional and the end result is a robust and effective exhaust system that is quiet, compact and reliable. We look forward to dealing with Manuflex and Centek for future builds”, said Steve Pierce, yard manager of Goodchild Marine.