Heavy duty, lightweight RIB at Seawork

Weighing in at only 480 kg, the vessel features ‘D’ tubing, resulting in vertical interior sides which provide an interior beam of 2.33m. Modular controls can be fitted fore or aft. In the latter configuration, the 7.8m LOA craft can easily accommodate palletised cargo weighing up to 2.4 tonnes. Larger models in the range, the 10.4m LMD105 and the 12.3m LOA LMD125, can accommodate 7.6 tonnes and 9.2 tonnes of cargo respectively. The high payloads are made possible by large air and foam filled cavities. These carrying capacities allied to the craft’s high speed, low weight, and resulting capability to be carried by an aircraft, have not been lost on the world’s militaries, which are enthusiastic about the design’s potential as a rapid deployment fast support craft. The three models can also carry up to 14, 22 and 28 persons respectively.

The entire LMD range is built for heavy commercial use, with the hulls engineered to take maximum forces while fully laden and operate at high speeds in heavy seas. Advanced composites and modern manufacturing techniques save weight in all areas. The hydrodynamic deep ‘V’ hull is made of a fibreglass reinforced high density foam sandwich with Vinylester resin and carbon fibre reinforcement for fatigue neutralisation. The hull, transom, freeboard and stringers are injected together in the same infusion, creating a strong single unit. Multi-axial non-woven fabrics minimise weight whilst maximising strength. All materials used in construction are Lloyds approved.

The design features a smart ballast system to counteract the challenges associated with the craft’s light weight and Light Marin is currently developing a fully suspended anti-shock floor module that can be inserted into current models.

If the number of Seawork visitors taking excursions on Southampton Water is any indication, the LMD78 and its larger siblings look set to provide a popular choice for those in the market for versatile high speed workboats.

Early feedback following Seawork confirms this. Light Marin has many serious leads, mostly from the offshore wind sector for high speed, fuel efficient crew and cargo supply vessels. The company is also in discussion with a defence organisation for air deployable 11m vessels.

Light Marin’s Curtis Emerson told MJ, “To be able to show our new model to so many professional people in such a short time makes Seawork a well worthy event and we will absolutely be participating next year.”