The low fuel consumption predictions made by engineers from MAN Diesel for the first Blyth 17-metre Workcat have now been confirmed at 130 litres per hour per engine at maximum speed of 26+ knots and 79 litres per hour at cruising speed of 20 knots.
The initial computer assessments were made during new boat’s sea trials but these have now been confirmed by two sustained sea voyages. The figures were verified following the new boat’s voyage from Canvey Island to Southampton to attend the Seawork exhibition.
Ray Chuter, founder of Blyth Workcats, had been responsible for the Blyth 17-metre since its inception and is naturally delighted with the outcome. “During the run to Southampton the new boat was maintaining a comfortable 18-knots in 3-metre seas while only burning 64 Litres/hr/engine".
Edward Tuite, owner care manager for Blyth Workcats attributes the new boat’s low fuel consumption to a number of factors. “The engines are the latest technology from MAN Diesel so that is an important benefit,” he said. “We also believe that the fine entry of the bow and the lift generated by the chines in the GRP hull are playing a part. Because we only build boats in GRP, our experience makes it possible to refine their hydrodynamic performance with carefully shaped chines and hull profile. These reward the user with lower operating costs and lower purchase price than comparable metal-hulled boats,” he said. “We now believe that this boat sets new performance benchmarks for wind farm support vessels and these will ultimately bring important benefits to boat operators.”
The new Blyth 17-metre has been designed to carry 12 passengers, two crew and six tonnes of cargo in comfort to offshore work locations at a cruising speed of over 20 knots. This capability combined with the now proven fuel consumption is also expected to make the new model versatile and sought after for many other applications.