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Trinity House orders two hybrid-propulsion vessels from Fincantieri subsidiary
The UK’s general lighthouse authority is investing around US$250M in two newbuild multi-functional buoy and lighthouse maintenance vessels with hybrid propulsion and batteries for delivery in 2029
Trinity House, the UK’s general lighthouse authority (GLA), has ordered two newbuild multi-functional buoy and lighthouse maintenance vessels from Fincantieri Group subsidiary Vard in a E220M (US$250M) contract.
This GLA for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar, anticipates their delivery from one of Vard’s shipyards in Norway in 2029 to replace the ageing THV Patricia and THV Galatea in a fleet renewal campaign.
They will be built to VARD 9 601 naval architecture, designed by Vard Marine in Canada in collaboration with Vard Design in Norway.
Vard said these Lloyd’s Register-classed vessels would be built with a hybrid propulsion system that will enable them to operate fully on battery power while alongside, at anchor and for limited duration during dynamic positioning and transit.
The battery system also provides peak shaving and spinning reserve support to the main diesel generators, minimising fuel consumption, emissions and environmental impact.
These multipurpose vessels will also be prepared for easy conversion to methanol fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout their operational lifetime.
The power system combines Vard Electro’s SeaQ DC switchboards with a SeaQ energy storage system exceeding 3,600 kWh in capacity, a cloud-based energy management system and a SeaQ shore connection.
Vard will equip these vessels for navigation buoy tending, hydrographic surveys and emergency response and removing hazards to navigation.
Their propulsion will include two azimuth propulsors on the stern, a tunnel thruster and a pump jet, and dynamic positioning to DP2 class.
Additionally, these vessels will have a 30-tonne twin hoist tension control crane, and two smaller stores cranes, two workboats, a towing winch and a helideck.
"Replacement of our ageing fleet represents a significant investment in the future of Trinity House and the safety of those who rely on our services," said Trinity House chief executive Iain Lower.
"These ships will enhance our ability to provide a reliable, efficient and cost-effective aids to navigation service, ensuring we continue to support the safety of mariners and the resilience of the maritime sector more generally for generations to come."
As part of the public tender award, the contract includes a UK-content commitment, securing extended use of British suppliers throughout the build programme.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Vard to deliver the next generation of multi-functional buoy handling tenders for Trinity House," said Trinity House’s senior responsible owner for the Futures Afloat ship replacement programme, Damien Oliver.
"These new ships will ensure we can continue to fulfil our statutory responsibilities efficiently and effectively for decades to come."
The contract includes an exchange programme for students where Vard, Trinity House and Vard Marine in Canada engage in a training partnership enabling apprentices to enhance their maritime competence.
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