Following a slow return to a new normal and the transition into the next Phase of lockdown, vessel owners have been getting in touch to book our services for an incline test. In addition to incline and lightship tests, our fully trained Naval Architects and MCA Workboat Code Examiner can offer Annual and Mid-term surveys for workboats as well as commercial RIBs and motor/sailing yachts. From incline experiments and lightships tests to valuation and condition surveys we are equipped to carry these out across Scotland and the U.K.

The ‘Island Junior’ was originally built as a workboat that for the past number of years has acted as a harvest vessel for the aquaculture industry. However, she has now been converted for a role as a net-washer. This required the addition of an ROV, an ROV control room and the systems required to support the operations. In addition to the incline, this boat also required a renewal survey (both in-and-out of water) to be carried out, both of which were conduct here in MacDuff, Aberdeenshire.

On the opposite end of the size scale, we will this week carry out an incline examination on the 64m ‘Artemis’ fishing vessel based in Fraserburgh. Formally the ‘Resolute’ this ship has been purchased by new owners and requires its 5-year incline. Despite the difference in size, the same methodology is used for the inclining experiment howbeit with longer pendulums and heavier weights.  

Finally, we will be heading to Orkney to carry out a lightship and incline test on the newly procured ‘Nordic Sea’. This passenger ferry which is built to Norwegian rules has been purchased by Orkney Council as a replacement for the ageing ferry ‘Golden Mariana’. Due to the fact it was operating under a Norwegian certificate, several known works have been carried out to ensure it meets the standards to bring her up to the full UK Classification and Certification.

Should you require a survey of any kind, be it witnessing an incline or a valuation survey, please don’t hesitate to get in contact to discuss your requirements. We would be delighted to work with you and are available to work across the U.K.

#DesigningToDeliver

In June 2019 we were delighted to deliver Atlantic Titan to her owners in Canada following a 2-year design and build. This month marks the 1-year anniversary of her delivery and as the pictures show she looks just as good as the day she was delivered.

The owners wanted a ship that could be both a trawler and a crabber, additionally, there were strict length and tonnage restrictions to conform to. Below decks, just forward of the engine room sits two 50,000 litre RSW tanks designed to keep live catch in pristine condition. These tanks serve a secondary purpose and by removing the forward panels of the tanks the main fish hold space extends to 260 cubic meters. This state-of-the-art feature, paired with a full factory processing deck, allows the vessels to convert seamlessly between being a crabber and trawler. Despite so much space dedicated to operations, there are still provisions for 14 crew comprised of 3 x 4 berth cabins and 2 single berth cabins as well as WC facilities, all positioned on the shelter deck below the wheelhouse. On main deck level forward there is a large mess and lounge area which allows for comfortable seating and an area where the crew can relax.

The versatility of the vessel combined with its striking design and innovative features means Atlantic Titan secured herself a place in RINA’s publication of Significant Small Ships of 2019. In addition, the owner has remarked that they are delighted with her performance over the past year. The recognition of the Atlantic Titans original design and the encouraging feedback from the owners truly showcases MacDuff Ship Designs ability to design and deliver.

 #DesigningToDeliver

Recently MacDuff Ship Design secured the design contract for a 13 metre, twin screw harbour tug to be built by Atlantis Marine Service in Istanbul, Turkey. It has been great to see photos from the yard showing how quickly they’ve made progress on the build. We look forward to receiving more updates as the build progresses.

#DesigningToDeliver

The 27.50m fish farm workboat “Helen Mary” was designed by MacDuff Ship Design and built by Macduff Shipyards in 2015. Owned by Inverlussa Marine Services she has spent the past 5 years as a multi-purpose support vessel working on a wide range of projects.  Recently, having secured a contract in the aquaculture sector, she has returned to MacDuff for refit in readiness for her new role.

It’s well known in the aquaculture industry that sea lice are a serious issue and an outbreak of lice in a pen can make products unmarketable. To combat this issue ‘Helen Mary’ has been prepped to have new Hydrolicing equipment installed. Hydrolicing is a relatively new, environmentally-friendly, solution in which the fish are brought aboard the vessel and deloused through the use of turbulent water. This process requires a large amount of power, more than what the original auxiliary engines could handle, so a YorPower standalone generator has been fitted on a new portside structure above the main deck. In addition to the increase in power new sea suction points have been integrated into the hull to feed the hydrolicing with a continuous supply of seawater. To make way for all of this new equipment it was necessary to remove some existing deck equipment including the main winch.

With the work here in Scotland almost complete, MacDuff Ship Design completed a lightship survey and incline test to allow for a new stability book to be produced. Once the final finishing touches are made to the deck she will leave us here in Aberdeenshire and make her way to Norway to receive the Hydrolicing equipment. We wish her all the best on her voyage and in her new role as a dedicated Hydrolicing vessel.

#DesigningToDeliver