Wales' Mustang Marine is on target to deliver a new plough dredging vessel to the Port of Tyne in the first half of 2011. This is the third boat to be delivered from the Welsh yard to the Tyne; the first two being a debris collection vessel for the Clean Tyne Project, and a 16-metre pilot boat for the Port of Tyne, both of which are already in service.
The new plough dredging vessel currently under construction at Mustang Marine's base in Pembroke Dock is their first working in conjunction with Damen of the Netherlands. The Damen 1506 Multicat design is undergoing specific customisation by Mustang for its role with the Port of Tyne.
The new powered barge's primary use is for plough dredging for berths, however there will also be various secondary roles such as buoy tendering, berth maintenance, pushing, towing and dive support duties.
Specific changes to the vessel from the original Damen Multicat design include variations to the wheelhouse arrangement in order to provide day accommodation for two crew and LSA provided for a total complement of twelve.
