Eastern IFCA orders patrol boat from Norfolk builder

Goodchild Marine Services of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk has been awarded a contract to build a new research and patrol boat for use by the Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA), the UK government-mandated district authority responsible for fisheries protection in the three counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

The contract award came following a competitive tender process.

The catamaran vessel will have a length of 16 metres and space for an onboard laboratory, various winches, sensors, sampling equipment, and a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). IMO Tier III-compliant main engines will propel the vessel to speeds of 22 knots.

Eastern IFCA CEO Julian Gregory said that since Goodchild Marine is based in Norfolk, which is also within the authority’s area of responsibility, it will enable the IFCA to be closely involved with the build process, thus ensuring a vessel that will boast improvements over current capabilities and a projected long service life.

Delivery of the new vessel is scheduled for 2022.