Supacat has been awarded a second contract for the system it pioneered to launch and recover lifeboats from challenging coastal sites.
The Dunkeswell design and engineering company has been commissioned by the RNLI to build three further launch and recovery vehicles for the charity's new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat.
Supacat is set to deliver an initial two LRVs to the RNLI later this year, after supporting the Shannon's introduction into service with a full working prototype. The boat and launch system were unveiled at Shell Beach in Poole in September and following continued sea trials, will be deployed within the station's relief fleet, this summer.
Supacat's launch and recovery system is based around a track-mounted, partially submersible tractor and powered-carriage. This can transverse gullies and long or steep stretches of beach, to deploy and recover lifeboats. The turnaround time from recovery of the boat from the shoreline to be ready for launch again is typically less than 10 minutes.
The first two commissioned LRVs are currently in production and will be handed over in July and October, while under the latest contract, Supacat will deliver a further three to the RNLI between January and June next year.
The RNLI has confirmed that St Ives, Exmouth, and Ilfracombe will be among 12 UK stations scheduled to ultimately receive a Shannon class lifeboat. The charity is currently fund-raising to secure the £1 million needed to finance the LRV systems in Devon, while the cost of the new boats has been covered by a legacy.
The company's managing director Nick Ames said: "Selection for this second production contract is a significant achievement for Supacat. The contract is also good news for the South West, as over half of our supply chain are locally based engineering and marine companies."
RNLI Principal Engineer John Deas added: "The Shannon class is the RNLI's most advanced lifeboat designed to improve both the efficiency of rescues and the safety of the volunteer crews, whilst they are out on a shout. The bespoke Launch and Recovery Vehicle is an essential piece of kit and it will help us to launch the Shannon in a wide variety of terrains and reach those in need as quickly and safely as possible."
Supacat is also behind the design and build of all-terrain special operations vehicles for the global defence, oil and gas industries. It has also moved into the renewables sector and is working with Fred Olsen Ltd in the development of the latter's BOLT Lifesaver. The wave energy converter is the first installation to be commissioned at FabTest off the Falmouth coast, where it is undergoing full scale sea testing.
Supacat is also developing a new multi-purpose support boat, designed to reduce the number of different vessel types currently required to undertake operations on wind farms and other offshore facilities worldwide.
It has awarded a build contract to Pembroke Dock-based Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd, with the first boat scheduled for launch in August this year.
