Major refit and upgrade for popular workboat

The refit included new engines and gearboxes, new additional accommodation, an upgrade of the existing mess area, and the installation of a sewage treatment plant, a satellite television system, and a new domestic water system.

Two unused water tanks were utilised to construct five additional twin cabins and an extra mess room which are accessed from the existing accommodation space above.

The new sewage treatment plant has also been incorporated into an existing holding tank to deal with the increased waste capacity.

MCS Ailsa, whichwas built in 1996, measures 41.5m LOA with a 14m beam. It now boasts two new Caterpillar 3508 engines developing 1,100 bhp each to deliver a 25 ton bollard pull.

The additional accommodation provides a total of 14 berths in twin cabins, which will prove to be a major benefit to clients in the diving sector, in which MCS Ailsa has become an established, successful and reliable vessel.

The accommodation was designed by Forward Engineering of Papendrecht in the Netherlands to MCS specifications and requirements. The installation was carried out by Neptune Marine Services at Aalst in the Netherlands to a very high standard. MCS told MJ that the company is extremely pleased with the final results.

The new enhancements to MCS Ailsa, together with its shallow draft and substantial deck space provide a versatile, stable platform in open waters. The enhanced capabilities of an already popular vessel will also be appreciated by the dredging and marine renewable energy industries.

Further plans to fit a four point mooring system will be carried out in the near future.