Seawork is the place for wheeling and dealing

Goodchild Marine Services presented first of two Pantocarene designed 17m pilot boats for Estuary Services, destined for the southern North Sea.

The deep-V planing hull features a ‘beak’ bow, which reduces pitching and slamming and provides excellent directional stability when transferring pilots. The standard of construction has contributed to achieving light weight to reduce power demand, fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Cowes based South Boats handed over a 19m catamaran to Off Shore Wind Services BV.

Ben Colman of South Boats explained the versatile vessel’s capabilities. “At 21m overall, it can carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, operate up to 150 miles offshore and carry up to 12 passengers and three crew. In addition, it can be used for transferring up to 7 tonnes of fuel to offshore structures.”

South Boats Special Projects also confirmed an order at Seawork from Hampshire Constabulary for a South Catamaran 12m Workboat. Powered by twin Iveco 420hp N67ENTM45 engines, the vessel will achieve a sprint speed of 25 knots.

A handshake between Stephen Rees, MD of Haverfordwest based Robust Boats and Anthony Jensen, chairman of the Poole based Inshore Fishing & Conservation Association (IFCA), finalised acceptance of a 5.7m fisheries patrol boat at Seawork 2012.

The 32 knot vessel has been prepared to operate up to 20 miles offshore between The Needles and the River Exe. The centre console instrumentation and 115hp Yamaha outboard have been selected for year round service, carrying up to 6 passengers and crew.

Ribcraft of Yeovil handed over the keys of a new 7.9m RIB to Councillor Jackie Raymond, chairman of the Hampshire Police Authority.

The Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit (HMCU) vessel will be used for patrol, boarding, counter-terrrorism, fishery protection and MCA work in the Solent. Anthony Birr, Police Sergeant in the Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit, reported that the Authority will be taking possession of a total of four new craft this year, all built by Seawork exhibitors Lochin, South Boats and Ribcraft.

“The first RIB was part of a four boat plan worth over £1m which wouldn’t have happened without Seawork, said Jason Purvey of Ribcraft. “We feel upbeat about the commercial sector of the market and this year’s Seawork has underlined that with good enquiries and plenty of interest.”

Also at Seawork, Ribcraft handed over the first of a two boat order for Fugro Seacore The vessels will be sent to West Africa and South America for crew transportation in the geo-technical and renewables industries.

The North-West Underwater Search and Marine Unit accepted a Cheetah Marine coded 7.2m police boat at Seawork. The Cheetah, made in Ventnor Isle of Wight, is powered by twin 90hp Honda outboards and equipped with Simrad instrumentation and sonar. Inspector Dave Corcoran, who leads the Unit said, “This vessel will provide us with an even greater capability and capacity for our work and the Cheetah will prove its worth in service when deployed for the Olympic Sailing in Dorset.”

Seawork was the scene of myriad deals both large and small. Exhibitors sold to fellow exhibitors as well as visitors, with some agreements being the result of prolonged negotiations and some being spontaneous.

Mark White of Nelson Stud Welding said, “At Seawork, we made our first ever sale at an exhibition, in 22 years! We are looking to grow our business in the marine sector and this is a great show for us to do that.”

Reflecting the growing impact of the offshore renewable energy industry at Seawork, Siemens purchased the very first MaXccess system from OSBIT Power, designed to improve the safe transfer of service specialists onto offshore wind turbines.

The Chairman of Australian shipbuilder Strategic Marine met Southampton based marine and repair company Testbank at Seawork last year and returned in 2012 to sign a Sales & Service Agency Agreement.

Propulsion products were also on the move at Seawork.Swindon based MAN Engines & Components UK secured an order for four pairs of V12-1200 medium duty engines, specified by MPI Workboats. The engines will be installed in four new 19m catamarans from South Boats.

Scania announced a deal for two D16M 16-litre marine engines. Developing 600 horsepower each, the units are destined for a new passenger carrying catamaran to be operated in the Solent by Solent & Wightline Cruises. The new vessel is scheduled to enter service Spring 2013.

‪Rolls-Royce secured a contract to supply FF600 water jets for four new 19m wind farm support vessels to be built by South Boats for operator MPI.

An order from Dalby Offshore Services to supply and install blinds on Dalby Tees and Dalby Humber was confirmed by Solacure at Seawork. The installation on the 20m Alicats follows a successful fit-out on Gardian 11 featured on the Seawork pontoons.