Hampshire based multi-role workboat builder, Meercat has been awarded a contract to build a new vessel for Guernsey Harbours.

The Meercat M15 is a 15.6m steel multirole vessel featuring a new side wheelhouse configuration, which will be built at company's design and build facility at Hythe Marine Park.

The steel craft will accommodate three crew and 12 passengers in her side wheelhouse, designed to provide greater deck access for cargo and enhanced visibility.

She will feature a 28-tonne deck cargo carrying capacity, a four tonne deck winch, crane, pot hauler, towing hook, fire monitor and bow thruster.

Her duties will include towage, equipment transportation, infrastructure repairs, beacon and buoy maintenance and commercial diving activities.

Guernsey Harbours manage four marinas and more than 60 crucial navigational aids including buoys and beacons as well as delivering 330,000 tonnes of essential supplies to the island every year.

Jim Mair, technical manager of Meercat Boats commented, “Guernsey Harbours’ tender was extremely challenging due to the complexity of the multiple tasks that the workboat is expected to undertake. The wide variety of onboard equipment, combined with exacting performance requirements will certainly make her an incredibly versatile vessel. "

Martyn Stanfield, head of technical & estate services for Guernsey Harbours, said: "The design of the vessel will provide improved safety and comfort for our maintenance team. The ability to be able to work closely with the design team at Meercat will enable us to achieve the right vessel for the ever-demanding role that is required now and for the future of Guernsey Harbours.”

Meercat is regarded as a market leader in the construction of customisable multi-role workboats and its craft are used by Associated British Ports (ABP), Dawnfresh Farming, Zamil Offshore, Williams Shipping, BAE Systems, Port of Plymouth, Vikoma, and the Port of Mostyn.