A UK-based construction contractor has ordered a multi-purpose vessel from Damen Shipyards to support its operations on the River Thames.
Damen is adapting a Multi Cat 1908 design vessel in a 10-week period to comply with requirements requested by owner S Walsh & Sons, part of GRS Group and a transporter of construction aggregates and waste materials.
This 19-m tug workboat will be employed for duties on the River Thames, where S Walsh & Sons is involved in marine construction projects.
It will be equipped with a crane and a large deck space. GRS Group chief executive Jon Fisher said this would be “a formidable addition to our expanding fleet on the River Thames.
“We chose this vessel for its versatility, as we can use it as a tug to push or pull barges loaded with construction materials. Or as a crane vessel working off the side – loading steel or placing cable,” said Mr Fisher.
Another reason for selecting this workboat was its high wheelhouse with 360˚ visibility, which allows diverse vessels to be towed or manoeuvred safely and efficiently.
Mr Fisher expects this multi-purpose vessel will enable S Walsh & Sons to be part of the long-term future of the River Thames as a marine highway for cargo. “We expect the Thames to become a superhighway with anything from 60-80M tonnes of cargo moving in and out of London each year,” he said.
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