7m Buddy delivered to Bristol, UK
September 13, 2007
Builders of specialist workboats Liverpool Water Witch have recently delivered their latest 7m litter collection and waterway maintenance craft to Bristol, UK.
The vessel is the latest design in the innovative Buddy range, built around the proven interchangeable 'pod' system that allows a single craft to perform a multitude of duties.
A special feature of the craft, designed specifically for Bristol Harbour Authority, is the low-profile aluminium wheelhouse, which gives the vessel around 2.1m (6' 10") air draft, allowing her to navigate under a number of swing bridges.
Other features include removable aluminium handrails and drop-in deck plates that can offer up to 14m2 of usable deck space.
Operating within Bristol Floating Harbour's 31 hectares of impounded water which extends right into the city centre, the vessel will provide a daily service retrieving floatables such as plastic bottles, food containers, and general waste.
The Buddy is built to meet the proposed standards for Inland Waterway Code of Practice, and as such comes with a full compliment of on-board navigation and safety equipment. The vessel was also surveyed by YDSA Certifying Authority to confirm that she meets all the requirements of the SVC with a maximum number of 6 persons.
A Yamaha high thrust 25hp four-stroke outboard engine provides the power - designed specifically for non-displacement craft where power rather than speed is required. A dual thrust propeller, which provides full thrust in both forward and reverse, allows excellent manoeuvrability.
Over the past twenty years, Bristol's vast Floating Harbour docklands area has developed into one of the UK's most exciting leisure, arts, water sports and entertainment centers.
As well as keeping the prestigious waterspace in a clean and safe condition, the vessel will also provide an ideal platform for a variety of maintenance, safety, and emergency roles.