New Survey Vessel for Port of London
Posted by Irina Tabakina
The Port of London Authority (PLA) ordered a new purpose-built survey catamaran, a CTruk MPC19, due to enter service on the river Thames later this year. The vessel is will replace the PLA’s Yantlet vessel as she reaches the end of her service life, continuing the PLA Hydrography team’s survey work which facilitates safe navigation on the tidal Thames. As the U.K.’s busiest inland waterway, the river is a link for trade, travel and leisure and as home to the U.K.’s second largest port. Capt. John Pinder, port hydrographer, said, “This boat should be an excellent addition to our fleet. It offers more space to our busy crew and its fuel efficiency is a bonus that will help us keep costs down.”
The CTruk MPC19 is a hydro-dynamically optimized twin-hull design. It has a low draft for shallow water access and a low air draft. The boat can accommodate up to 12 people (two crew and 10 passengers) and is loaded with features including water-jet propulsion (for a high level of control and low draft), multi-beam sonar platform, a four-meter survey-capable Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), cruise speed of 18 knots, survey speed from two knots, fuel efficient to save operating costs, top-of-the-range echo sounding systems and ancillary survey equipment, deck that can take loads of up to one metric ton per square meter, and equipment including a Palfinger foldable knuckle crane.
(As published in the March 2015 edition of Marine Technology Reporter - http://www.marinetechnologynews.com/Magazine)
February 2024
