Cornwall Marine Directory
Ecocat to patrol Thames
The first of two new patrol boats ordered by the Port of London Authority was launched by Ecocats at their yard in Millbrook, Cornwall on Tuesday 17th October. The 10m catamaran launches will work the upper part of the tidal Thames between Putney and Teddington, helping the PLA fulfil its role of patrolling the river and regulating events taking place on the water.
The 10m Ecocat design was chosen for its ability to make a high speed response when needed that will still have a low wash wave height and so a minimised environmental impact. It is also very fuel efficient, using 50% less fuel than other commercial boats of a similar size and with similar engines, due to the hull form and the light construction. Its twin 36HP Yanmar outboard diesels have acoustic hoods to minimise noise, and also serve as electricity generators to service all the essential equipment and services the launches will need for extended patrolling.
Ecocats patrolling the Thames
The boats have a central island wheelhouse, bulwark doors on both sides and a stern access platform, which will facilitate communication with river users such as canoeists, rowers and other users of small craft.
These new patrol boats have been specially designed to take account of the needs of leisure craft...
The PLA also has responsibility for regatta safety and these features will be invaluable for carrying out such duties. Other uses Ecocats have been put to are photographers’ platform, fishing boat, race boat for the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race and pleasure boat on a shopping centre lake. PLA Chief Executive Richard Everitt welcomed the additions to the fleet, saying “We are seeing a major increase in recreational use of the Thames, which we welcome. These new patrol boats have been specially designed to take account of the needs of leisure craft, in addition to other users including commercial and passenger vessels and houseboats. The new design will help our continuing steps to work closely with the rowing, sailing and motorboating community to promote safe and responsible recreational use of the Thames.”
Stable platform in rough waters
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| Field | Value |
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| Location | Culdrose |
| Report Time | |
| Condition | --- |
| Wind Chill | 13°C |
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| Wind Direction | --- |
| Variable Wind | ---/--- |
| Wind Speed | --- knots |
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| Pressure | --- mbar |
| Humidity | 100.0% |
| Hum. Index | -2.2°C |
| Heat Index | ---°C |
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