Gavin Morgan

28 February, 2008

A BRAND new multi purpose workboat could create up to six new jobs when it is launched in September with the help of a £450,000 Shetland Development Trust loan.

Skipper Chris Duncan currently works as second mate on Britain’s biggest pelagic trawler Altaire, alongside his brother John Henry who will also be taking a share in the new boat.

Both men, who live in Ollaberry, will continue to work aboard the Altaire with a second crew running the Eurocarrier 2209 workboat when they are away.

Plans for the boat have been in the offing since July last year and the contract to build it was signed with Dutch boat builders Neptune Marine Service in January.

Mr Duncan said: “I saw an opportunity in the market and there is plenty of work around for this type of business for the next couple of years.

“One of the reasons we are doing it is to get jobs for Shetlanders and it is work that really interests me.”

As well as the development trust money the new business will be funded by personal investment and bank loans.

Work on the hull should start in Holland at the end of March, to be finished in mid June before 13 weeks of fitting out so the boat can be launched at the Neptune shipyards on 20 September.

The vessel will be capable of a wide variety of tasks including towage, anchor handling, fuel and water transfer, buoy maintenance, harbour construction and help on diving operations.

There is also a chance of work in the offshore renewables sector aiding the construction of offshore windmills and tidal machines.

Mr Duncan has hired an agent to win long term contracts with a crew of three anywhere in the world, but most of the work is expected in the North Sea and the Mediterranean.

The 21.6 metre long, nine metre wide steel vessel weighs 190 tonnes empty and will be powered by twin caterpillar engines producing 608 horsepower each with a top speed of 10 knots.

Equipment onboard includes a 140 tonne Helia crane and a 50 tonne anchor handling winch with 95 square metres of available deck space.

There will be tanks to carry diesel fuel and fresh water with a total capacity of 57 tonnes for each and these can be pumped out at 40 cubic metres an hour.

Shetland North councillor Bill Manson said: “I was very impressed to hear about this and think it is an excellent move to provide more maritime employment in Shetland, particularly in rural areas. I welcome this and wish them every success.”