GRP Laminates of Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK, secured orders for three South Cat designs within weeks of reaching an exclusive, worldwide agreement to be solely responsible for the manufacture and marketing of these well-proven craft.
The orders comprise:
• 12m commercial charter workboat and leisure diving vessel for Divers Down of Swanage
• The Hull and Mould set for a 13m Rapid Response Vehicle for Iceni Marine Services’ wind farm support fleet
• 14m Wind Farm Transfer Vessel for Coastal Zone Services
The Coastal Zone Services (CZS) order for a bespoke first in class 14 metre to operate as a multi-purpose crew transfer vessel is scheduled for completion in May 2012 and is expected to be the flagship of GRP Laminates’ presence at Seawork.
Named Kileen Dawn, the vessel is powered by twin Iveco C9 550hp diesels driving TwinDisc gearboxes, giving a cruising speed of 23 knots and a top speed of 27 knots. With the personnel transfer equipment specified, the vessel can operate in significant wave heights up to 1.5m.
The spacious accommodation provides for 12 suspension seats with a flexible arrangement that can encompass a surveying layout. Additional features include a moonpool, dive ladder and provision for a crane. The flybridge with viewing platform and three station electronic controls ensures flexibility of operation. Kileen Dawn will operate in Clew Bay, off Ireland’s Atlantic coast, and in British waters.
“We selected the South Cat 14m from GRP Laminates after extensive research visiting a number of yards to find the right vessel for our needs. They impressed us particularly with the standard of build, their attitude and understanding of our fit-out requirements,” says Niall O’Boyle, Operations Coordinator of Coastal Zone Services, based in Newport, Co. Mayo.
Reviewing the first four months since being awarded the licence to build and market the South Cats range, GRP Laminates’ Managing Director, Mark Gulessarian, comments: “We are delighted by the reaction to this new development in our company’s activities. These early orders for South Cats are a clear indication that composite moulded catamarans remain an attractive option for both the offshore renewables and commercial fishing industries.”
2012 is expected to be a milestone year for GRP Laminates. The London Olympics Committee vessel, jointly commissioned from the yard and South Boats Special Projects, will feature in the world’s media coverage of the Olympic yacht racing, taking place off Weymouth next year.
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Source: grplaminates, October 18, 2011