Initially built as a harbour tender for Milford Haven Port Authority, Willchallenge now has the capabilities of working as a survey, dredging and civil engineering support vessel for Williams Shipping.
Willchallenge is a 19m by 8m multicat type vessel, which underwent a two month major refit at Mustang Marine. The works included routine maintenance on working parts including new seawater pipework and replacement fresh water tanks alongside the planned conversion. The transformation of the wheelhouse, onboard accommodation, stern gear and a generator upgrade were all commissioned by Williams Shipping in order for Willchallenge to be classified to MCA Workboat Code Category 2, allowing it operate to a distance of up to 60 miles offshore with up to 12 passengers.
With a busy work schedule ahead, time out of commission needed to be kept to a minimum and Mustang Marine’s extensive knowledge of the vessel as its original builder played an important role. Willchallenge’s new wheelhouse was prefabricated, significantly reducing the amount of time the vessel was required at the Mustang yard.
As part of its new and broader role at sea, the new wheelhouse has meant more room below deck, allowing for up to five berths and a crew mess. The vessel now caters better for the needs of crew and can spend longer at sea. In the wheelhouse there is increased visibility for the captain and more room for surveying equipment, both of which better equip the craft for an expanded range of duties.
Also included in the refit, the stern gear had nozzles fitted to allow for a greater bollard pull and more efficiency when operating. A modified, more modern approach to the winch arrangement was adopted and new winches were supplied by North Sea Winches.
Willchallenge, originally built to a budget has now been given a complete new lease of life for Williams Shipping.
