Marine industry set for £9 million investment in new pilot vessels.
After a troublesome year, the marine industry is set for a £9 million boost, with the investment into a fleet of new pilot vessels delivered over the next five years.
Associated British Ports (ABP), one of the UK’s largest port operators has announced the commissioning of nine new Orc pilot vessels from innovative UK boat builder Goodchild Marine Services Limited. The nine vessels will serve around the UK, with five in ABP Humber ports, three in Southampton and the remaining operating in Barry, South Wales.
The ORC line of pilot vessels is known for their industry-leading performance, efficiency and innovative design allowing for high speed in all weather conditions. In contrast, its superior hull design provides operators with significant fuel reduction.
The fleet will consist of three ORC 171 pilot vessels operating at 641hp @2100rpm and six smaller ORC 136 vessels working at 512hp @1800rpm.
MIT, the experts in marine drive technology, were selected to, specify and supply the 18 freestanding gearboxes that will form part of the power train onboard the new cutting-edge vessels.
Working with Goodchild Marine Services, Twin Disc MGX5136A Quick Shift gearboxes were selected for both the larger 17.63 meters 171 ORC and the smaller 14.43 meter 136 delivered in differing power configurations to support the requirements of each vessel.
The MGX5136A transmissions will be supplied complete with Quick Shift technology and electronic controls to enable the vessels with smooth, fast shifting and superior manoeuvrability. An unrivalled innovation in vessel handling, Twin Disc Quick Shift will be installed with lever controls meaning the vessels can with single or dual levers adjust engine speed, prop speed, direction and instant full power — or any desired degree between idle and full.
As specialist driveline integrators, MIT will also supply Reich couplings to couple the Twin Disc gears to the MAN D2676 marine diesel engines, supplied by PME Group and will further assist with vessels performance by providing trim tab cylinders.
“We were delighted to work on this project in conjunction with Goodchild Marine, specifying leading marine gears for all nine vessels in the new ABP fleet. Our whole life-cycle support ensures the UK marine sector benefits from best in class drive technology and unsurpassed aftermarket support”. – Dave Little, Applications Manager, MIT.
“We are delighted to continue to work with MIT on another prestigious project, demonstrating our build and supply chain quality. This market confidence helps companies invest for the future, protecting our industry and jobs in these challenging times.” – Stephen Pierce General Manager Goodchild Marine Services Limited.
