DuroWipers in four vessel refit

The Saint Brendan, Saint Christopher, Saint Cuthbert and Saint Edmund were built at Holyhead Marine to a Camarc design and were delivered between 2010 and 2013.

Choosing the right wipers for this mid-life refit is critical, says Harwich Haven Authority’s marine engineering manager, Matthew Pearson.

“Our pilot vessels travel a total of 48,000 nautical miles each year. Because they work in all weathers in significant wave heights of up to three metres they ship green water over their windscreens as a matter of course.

“Clearing this water with wipers that work effectively, are reliable long term, and easy to fix and service is a key consideration. Any wiper problem can keep a HHA pilot boat in port.”

HHA has chosen four sets of Class 90 wipers per boat. Each set is driven by a 24 Volt 80NM Bosch Motor and the compact transfer box means they can be installed where space is limited.

Pearson goes on to explain that previous blades from Europe were not proving reliable. “We went through many sets of these wipers, which in some cases have failed in just one to two years,” he said.

“We were also becoming concerned about the carbon footprint of replacement wipers and parts coming from Europe.

HHA trialled the wipers over the harshest conditions of December and January on the Saint Brendan after which it ordered sets for all four pilot boats. “DuroWipers also custom built the control panels for us which was a useful addition,” said Pearson.

DuroWipers said it specifically engineers its wipers for the marine industry unlike crane or train wipers which can only cope with rain and occasional spray. “We proudly supply wiper systems to the Royal Navy and RNLI along with a number of port authorities for their pilot launches,” said Noel Gould, managing director at DuroWipers.