Port Authority Views New Pilot Boat Progress

MHPA’s Chief Executive Ted Sangster and Harbourmaster Mark Andrews being updated on build progress by Mustang Marine’s Managing Director Kevin Lewis and Commercial Director Ian Strugnell.

Image by: MHPA

 

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ORR

May 11, 2008

Port bosses from Milford Haven recently surveyed the progress being made to the build of a new £1 million Pilot Boat (news) by Pembroke Dock Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd.

Port Authority Chief Executive Ted Sangster and Harbourmaster Mark Andrews took a site tour of the new vessel that is set to join the Authority's existing fleet of Pilot launches, early next year.

Ted Sangster was delighted with the visit, saying “It is a welcomed opportunity to view the steady pace of progress being made to what will be Mustang's third vessel for the Port.

“Having had our busiest year in the Port's history during 2007, with over 51 million tonnes of shipping being handled, we are committed to providing an even higher level of support to our customers in the future.

“This new Pilot vessel will strengthen our existing fleet and be central to the ongoing safety of Pilot transfer.”

Managing Director of Mustang Marine, Kevin Lewis led the tour which detailed the construction to date, including the aluminium wheelhouse and superstructure fabrications. Whilst at an early build stage, the steel hull structure is also evident, with the keel and many of the frames now in place.

Mustang is confident of the project's ongoing success with aluminium and steel structures being fabricated quickly, due to the Company's state of the art computer technology, which numerically models aspects of the superstructure, deck and hull.

The new £1 million Pilot Boat will be a sister vessel to the 'Skomer' Pilot boat, seen here at work on the Haven.

Image by: Dan Wilson

 

“Once modelled, the information is used to design a kit of parts which is then sent to a specialist supplier who cuts the various parts of the structure in accordance with the detailed information supplied. This allows us to implement a highly developed system of assembly and welding” said Kevin.

As a sister vessel to ‘Skomer' - the innovative Pilot Boat built by Mustang two years ago, the new boat has yet to be named.

The vessel has been designed by leading British naval architects Camarc Ltd using a proven innovative design that allows for greater speed and agility, as well as enhanced environmental performance.

Once delivered, the new vessel will complete this phase of the Authority's ongoing programme of reinvestment in the fleet.

A review of future needs during 2009 will assist in deciding what additional vessels should be built.