Blyth Workcats delivers to Ireland

The new boat, Laura Dean, is powered by two N67 430 hp engines and features a hull design developed for optimal performance, tough reliability and good sea-keeping in extreme conditions.

It have been given Irish P5 certification, enabling it to operate up to 60 miles offshore with the hull specified to LLR SSC G2 rules.

Because many of the Mevagh Dive Centre’s clients may dive to significant depths, the vessel is likely to be carrying bulky and heavy equipment and additional tanks. An important feature of the new boat is, therefore, a hydraulic dive lift mounted on the transom. Easy access to the lift is provided through a gate in the transom which ensures the safe and efficient deployment and recovery of divers regardless of how heavily laden they might be.

Passenger and crew accommodation consist of a wheelhouse and a small saloon seating area with a toilet and galley facilities.

Blyth Workcats builds catamarans ranging from 10m to 17m for all types of marine work, including fisheries patrol, windfarm support, surveying and passenger ferry. All are built from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) to offer advantages over metal-hulled boats such as lower running costs and a reduced expenditure when buying the vessels.

The new vessel has now begun work transporting groups of up to 12 divers to sites along the Atlantic coast of Ireland.

By Rachael Doyle