A new sub-surface viewing craft, the MSV Explorer, designed by Chris Garner and built under licence by GRP Laminates, has won the Seawork 2011 Award for Innovation, in the category of Diving & Underwater Technology.
The vessel was launched at last week’s show, together with a purpose-designed 13-meter launch and recovery catamaran, the SP02. Because of his passion for the marine environment, Garner designed the catamaran to assist in the rescue of stranded whales and dolphins. The system was designed to offer safe, dry underwater exploration for a wide range of leisure and commercial purposes, and has already generated keen interest from dive centers, luxury resorts, marine research and other commercial operators. Both the MSV Explorer and the SP02 lifting catamaran are built in the UK, at Cowes on the Isle of Wight by GRP Laminates.