Sarnia cheerie as harbour workboat to be replaced

The Sarnia, was built in 1985 and, at the time, was given a 20- to 25-year lifespan but has now been in service for nearly 35 years.

The new vessel, M35, is a 15.6 metre steel multi-role boat – she will be built at Meercat Boats facility in Hythe, Southampton.

Replacing the Sarnia has been a priority for Guernsey Harbours since a report was compiled in 2010 which recommended a new £1m. vessel.

When, in May 2017, the boat was taken into dry dock for maintenance following an engine failure it was again reported that the vessel required replacement.

Harbour master Captain David Barker said: ‘The Sarnia has given over 30 years of valuable service but this new vessel will be significantly more capable.

‘It will make the task of looking after our harbours and navigational aids safer and more efficient.

‘She [Sarnia] is currently over at Albert Pier being worked on. These ongoing issues are symptomatic of a vessel of her age.’

The cost of the replacement vessel has not been made public.

‘The overall cost is yet to be finalised, so we cannot release it at this time. There are still some areas to agree with Meercat. They will be starting to cut steel very soon and we expect to see the boat ready around September time.

‘As Meercat is based in Southampton it will be easy for us to make regular trips to ensure the new boat is exactly as we need it.’

The vessel design is being tailored to the needs of the crew traversing local waters.

Meercat Boats technical manager, Jim Mair said the tender was extremely challenging due to the complexity of the multiple tasks the new workboat is expected to undertake.

‘The wide variety of onboard equipment, combined with exacting performance requirements will certainly make her an incredibly versatile vessel.’