Manuflex, Centek Collaborate on Goodchild Pilots Exhaust Systems
Custom exhaust systems designed, engineered and manufactured by Manuflex Ltd. in partnership with Centek Industries are providing sound attenuation aboard two fast pilot launches built by Goodchild Marine of the United Kingdom for Estuary Services, Ltd. Both vessels operate from Ramsgate, supporting Thames pilots in the busy Southern North Sea and Thames estuary. Estuary Elan was the first of its innovative design by French Naval Architect Pantocarene to be built in the UK by Goodchild Marine.
Refitted Boat Returns to Estuary Services
Estuary Warden a VT Halmatic Nelson 48/50 pilot boat has recently been delivered back to Estuary Services Ltd following a thorough mid-life refit at VT Halmatic’s Portchester Shipyard. The Pilot Cutter first entered service in 1992 and has been in continuous service ever since in the busy approaches to the Thames Estuary and Medway Ports. The craft was weighed and inclined pre-contract to ensure that design changes would not increase the VCG or change the LCG as Estuary Services Ltd were pleased with the sea keeping and handling of the craft. Weighing and inclining post re-fit confirmed that both all up weight and VCG had been reduced and sea trials confirmed the craft had retained its good sea keeping and handling characteristics.
UK Report: VT Halmatic Takes Charge
Despite a parceling of marine business to the Far East, the British commercial and naval marine construction base has fought to maintain an edge in certain niches. VT Halmatic has been one of the more progressive and aggressive British companies in maintaining a strong hold on commercial and military marine business, with the production of some outstanding boats for pilot, patrol, marine security and naval operations. Noting the 60 to 70 percent of the company's production is for export, Sebastian Freeman, commercial controller, said, "that's how we survive." While the client list is diverse, VT Halmatic's "bread and butter" is the pilot and workboat markets, and despite the fact that the majority of is boats are sent abroad, the Royal Navy is still its biggest customer for RIBs.
