British Ministry Of Defence News

The US Coast Guard has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with British diesel engine innovator, Cox Powertrain. The CRADA will evaluate and test the advantages, disadvantages, required technology enhancements, performance, costs and other issues associated with diesel outboard engine technology. There a been a big swell of interest in diesel outboards since NATO introduced its single fuel policy, with the military and naval forces of member countries keen to phase out petrol-fuelled outboards in favour of cleaner diesel alternatives.

A three-year, 29-vessel contract came to an end as the last tugboat of the huge Serco contract was named SD Deborah at the Damen headquarters in Gorinchem on 3 December 2010. Due to be deployed at Devenport, one of the main bases of the British Royal Navy, the SD Deborah was the smallest ASD tug in the order, which has included pilot boats, tugboats, high-speed craft, barges and a worldwide support vessel. SD Deborah is one of four sister tugs. The 16 Damen vessel types included in the order ranged between 39.3 ft and 282 ft.