Project milestone for composites supplier

As the primary composites supplier for Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) on its SEA Class workboats project for the British Royal Navy, Norco has demoulded the first 15m hull at its dedicated composites centre. The composite centre worked in conjunction with the Norco GRP Centre throughout the build of the 15m hull.

Poole, UK-based Norco’s project contract with AEUK involves producing the major components for over 30 new 11-15m vessels, including hull, deck, superstructure and associated multipurpose modules.

The company won the MOD fleet replacement contract with AEUK in September 2017. The project has a six-year delivery timeline.

Norco is working closely with AEUK and the design team throughout the life of the contract providing support in areas such as design for manufacture and production solutions, including the design and manufacture of high-quality CNC tooling for the production of composite parts.

The common components and modular design of the multi-role vessels mean rapid changes can be made for a range of specialised operational roles, including diving training, explosive ordnance disposal, officer training, passenger transport, arctic exploration, hydrographic survey and logistic re-supply.

By Rebecca Jeffrey