Buddy Buster for UK Trust
June 12, 2008
Supported through Awards for All under the UK National Lottery, Chelmer Canal Trust and Essex Waterways, the local arm of the Inland Waterways Association, have been able to purchase a new innovative workboat for use on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.
The Buddy, built by Liverpool Water Witch in the UK, is a twin hulled craft with a removable collection basket which has the capacity to pick up and store 1000kg of floating debris and aquatic vegetation. It can handle items varying from the hated shopping bags, to plastic bottles and invasive American Pennywort weed.
Mr Roy Chandler, Chair of Essex Waterways, noted his satisfaction with the Buddy's performance, stating "This vessel's collecting capability has far exceeded all of our working assumptions regarding the quantity of litter and weed that can be collected safely in a given amount of time. The skimmer boat will definitely help accelerate the charity’s vision of restoring and maintaining the Navigation for public benefit and to safeguard for future generations.”
"The addition of this boat to the Navigation will mean we can be even more effective in the work carried out by our staff, contractors and volunteers. Features such as a loading/unloading ramp, collection basket and built-in skip make the boat especially useful"
The cost-effective, low maintenance Buddy is manufactured from certified 5083 marine grade aluminium for strength and durability. It has become a popular choice for Marina and Harbour operators world-wide - recent customers include DP World to service Jebel Ali Port, Dubai and Associated British Ports, for Port of Grimsby, UK.
A 7m version with full wheelhouse is currently in build for Ronautica Middle East for operation in The Pearl, Qatar. This ambitious off-shore development covering 985 acres of reclaimed land will incorporate an international yachting hub with three marinas and 700 boats.