On Wednesday 24th April 2013, Alicat Workboats Ltd. formally unveiled and christened the yard’s new boat hoist during an open day attended by over 250 guests. The open day showcased the many new developments and divisions created by Alicat Workboats over the last few months.
The new boat hoist is a WISE 200TN and is amongst the largest and most capable in the UK. Specifically specified to suit the requirements of existing clients and the increase in the demand from the renewable energy sector, the new hoist can lift vessels up to 11m beam and up to 200 tonnes in weight with four wheel steering to maximise manoeuvrability when placing vessels within the new concrete yard area.
The hoist was unveiled by Nigel Darling, a Director of Alicat Workboats Ltd. and christened by Dave Stringer, a former employee of Richards Dry Dock & Engineering Ltd. and more famously as a former player and manager of Norwich City Football Club. The new hoist has already successfully lifted ‘Waterfall’, a Gardline owned wind farm service vessel and is booked to lift a Njord Offshore owned wind farm service vessel for a propeller change over the coming days.
The hoist is part of the Support Services department of Alicat Workboats Ltd., which offers a 24hr a day, 7 day a week capability to support vessels in service along with a speedy and efficient service and spares package solution.
Alicat Workboats Ltd. specialises in the construction of aluminium catamarans for the offshore wind farm crew transfer vessel sector and is currently building vessels for Dalby Offshore Ltd., E.ON Climate & Renewables UK Ltd. and Gardline Environmental Ltd.
The company has also recently acquired South Boats IOW Ltd., based in the Isle of Wight and well known and respected for their range of wind farm crew transfer vessels with craft currently in build for Seacat Services Ltd., Iceni Marine Services Ltd. and MPI Workboats Ltd. In addition onsite at Alicat are new self-sustained divisions including Alicat Marine Electrical (competing major UK and Worldwide electrical design, installation, commissioning and refit contracts), Alicat Fabrication, Alicat Precision Engineering (with two new CNC machines) and based in a new office in Southampton, Alicat Marine Design.
Alicat Workboats Ltd. have also pioneered the ‘boat in a box’ construction model, which is proving successful. Arklow Marine Services in County Wicklow, Ireland are currently building two Alicat vessels for Alicat Workboats Ltd. and Dunston Ship Repairs Ltd. in Hull are currently building multiple Alicat 20m and 19m vessels for Rix Sea Shuttle Ltd.
Alicat Workboats Ltd. have a number of solutions for any vessel construction, electrical installation, design or engineering projects.
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Press release, April 26, 2013; Image: Alicat Workboats