Latest newbuilds for Meercat
Meercat workboats are getting larger
UK based boatbuilder, Meercat Workboats, has just launched its latest vessel, ‘Skua’ which is now working in Ireland for new owners, Strangford Moorings – a specialist moorings contractor.
The design is unique because it is the first asymmetric vessel the company has built. It has hulls of three and four metre beam respectively, which enables the winch and bowroller to be sited on the vessel’s centreline – an important feature given the nature of Strangford Moorings’ work.
Skua has twin Doosan L136TI engines, giving a total of 460 hp, and a Beta-Marine 21kVA generator. It is the first Meercat to be fitted with an Iron Fist 40 tonne/metre marine deck crane which is operated by a Scanreco remote control which also controls the North Sea 7.5 tonne winch. This feature enables the operator to position himself clear of any hazards and greatly improves visibility.
Meercat Workboats was so impressed with the quality of the Iron Fist crane it ordered a second similar unit for its next newbuild - incidentally this week, the company was appointed as the sole UK agent for the cranes.
The next Meercat newbuild will be an even larger 18m x 8m model with an increased moulded depth, similar 285hp Doosans and a bigger wheelhouse. This vessel is being built on spec and will be available for delivery in January 2013. The Meercat design gives excellent manoeuvrability and deck strength and has the ability to operate in less than a metre of water. It is licensed offshore to 20 miles from safe haven.
Images for this article - click to enlarge
Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2013. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.