Goodchild Marine Services wins contract for research and patrol boat

Following a competitive tendering process, Goodchild Marine Services has won the contract to build a new research and patrol boat for Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA).

Eastern IFCA’s district encompasses the counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and extends six nautical miles out to sea. Its role is to manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries, and a viable fishing industry.

The patrol boat, a Lynx 16m catamaran costing £1.6m, will have a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, various winches, along with sensors and sampling equipment. There will also be an onboard laboratory to analyse samples, to assist with the Eastern IFCA’s science and research work.  

The vessel, to be delivered in 2022, will be able to reach speeds of 22kts and will have the latest engines in terms of efficiency and emissions compliance (IMO Tier III).

“We are pleased that the contract for our replacement research vessel has been awarded to a local company,” says Julian Gregory CEO of Eastern IFCA. “Not only will this enable us to be closely involved with the build process, but it also brings benefits to the local economy. The design of the new vessel will improve upon our current capabilities and a projected long service life will ensure that we get value for money.”

Stephen Pierce, general manager at Goodchild Marine Services comments: “This is another example of our commitment to support our fishing industry as well as adding value to the local economy as we will use several local supply chain companies on this project.”