Poole, UK-based naval architecture firm and Seawork exhibitor Peter Eyre Marine Design has been awarded the design contract for a 14m state-of-the-art all weather vessel for Berthon Boat Company.
Peter has a formidable track record in this field, having led the design of the Shannon Class lifeboat, which continues to exceed all performance expectations. The initial configuration of the new vessel will be for 32-knot search and rescue activities, with further variants tailored to pilot and patrol applications.
The new Berthon 14m workboat builds upon Peter’s experience and his desire to use the latest technology and processes to create high performance, all-weather vessel designs. The boat is highly manoeuvrable, self-righting and the hull form has been carefully crafted to enable high speeds to be sustained in all sea states. The layout of the vessel has been carefully considered to maximise the space within the wheelhouse, which is maintained level with an uncluttered aft deck. Generous space around machinery for maintenance and direct shipping of the engines through aft deck hatches make for significant reductions in through-life costs.
Naval Architect and company founder Peter Eyre commented “I am delighted to be working with a company which has such a long history of building high quality lifeboats. The Berthon 14m boat represents another step forward in the design of high-performance, all-weather vessels and I look forward to working with Berthon to enable Search and Rescue authorities around the world to have the benefit of this exciting design.”
Ian Stables, Senior Project Manager at Berthon, stated “We’re excited to be at the stage now where we’re considering our first round of orders for this superb craft. Working closely with an acclaimed designer of Peter’s experience has ensured that the design is crew friendly and absolutely cutting-edge. We’re confident that the performance of this craft will be exceptional”
Peter Eyre Marine Design has designed a number of vessels ranging from 8m to 18m, all of which benefit from Peter’s unique perspective regarding the operation of vessels in the most demanding conditions.
Peter Eyre studied Ship Science at the University of Southampton He founded Peter Eyre Marine Design in 2015 after over 10 successful years with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Acknowledged as a leading authority on high performance all weather vessel design, he has written several papers and presented at many industry events.
Berthon have been synonymous with yachting since 1877. Based in Lymington, their commercial boatyard facilities boast impressive storage sheds and engineering workshops. Berthon employ a skilled workforce of over 150 people enabling the completion of all work on-site. Berthon commercial clients include: The RNLI, Associated British Ports and the MoD.
Visit PEMD at Seawork International 2016 on stand SB41.
By Jake Frith
