Hybrid-power catamaran added to Inverlussa fleet
New-build service vessel increases number of boats to 22
Fish farming boat operator Inverlussa Marine Services has this week taken delivery of a new vessel, the Charlie Knight, an 18.5 metre by 12 metre CoastCat service catamaran built by Salthammer shipyard in Norway.
Charlie Knight is a state-of-the-art DP0 (dynamic positioning zero) hybrid service vessel, fully classed to Norwegian classification society DNV with a strong focus on lowering emissions and increasing crew safety, especially when working with increasingly heavier mooring equipment. The vessel has been fitted out with more powerful cranes and full SHM deck equipment, including deck winches with incorporated load cells. SHM is the name of a company manufacturing deck equipment but the name has become a generic for that type of equipment.
Inverlussa said that as with all its new-built vessels, crew comfort is a priority and Charlie Knight has been built with four ensuite cabins along with a large messroom and separate galley to improve living conditions onboard.
The new vessel also complies with low emissions notation from DNV, achieved with Tier 3 engines in addition to a hybrid battery pack.
Charlie Knight is the fourth hybrid vessel built for Mull-based Inverlussa.
Managing director Ben Wilson said: “Charlie Knight is a big step forward in terms of incorporating the latest technology and equipment into a service catamaran for Scotland. We believe this will result in a more efficient work vessel, enabling us to achieve more work in the same time, as well as increasing safety onboard.”
The company has also recently taken delivery of Mimmi, renamed John Wilson, which is the third NabCat catamaran in Inverlussa’s growing fleet of workboats. John Wilson was built in 2019 for Norwegian owner FDA and is based on the versatile Nabcat 15x10 design which includes SHM deck equipment similar to Charlie Knight.
The addition of Charlie Knight and John Wilson takes Inverlussa’s fleet up to 22 vessels and 130 specialised crew.
Inverlussa said it aims to be the leader in the Scottish aquaculture service vessel market and the recent investments show a commitment to delivering this by providing the best possible service whilst driving down the cost to customers where possible.
