The boat ceased operating in early 2024 when the harbour master refused to continue to certify it for use, and, following a political wrangle over responsibilities and ownership, was eventually sent for refurbishment to Damen Shipyard, the Netherlands, where it was built in 1997.
The vessel’s refurbishment involved it being fitted with two new engines and a variety of new technology, at an approximate cost of £850,000 – about £250,000 more than originally budgeted.
The Committee for Home Affairs, which managed the project, has put the increased cost down to the vessel being future-proofed and made fully compliant with modern maritime regulations.
Even with the extra costs, the committee said it was satisfied with the investment made – it was still some £2m. cheaper than buying a new boat, as the States was once prepared to do in 2015 until members rejected the proposal.
The work was funded from the Seized Assets Fund, and the investment is expected to give the Leopardess a further 25 years of working life.
‘The vessel will be a valuable asset to the States of Guernsey,’ said Claire Eley, associate director of justice and regulation at the States.
‘It will be used by a whole range of teams across government to protect the Bailiwick’s waters and carry out work at sea. Without it, the States would simply not have the maritime capability to do this work.’
The vessel is primarily intended to be used by Law Enforcement, though it will be used for a variety of other teams, such as Sea Fisheries.
‘Protecting and policing our borders across the Bailiwick presents unique challenges, and it is crucial that we have the capability to be able to quickly deploy to incidents and reported activity around the shoreline, on the smaller islands or carry out maritime operations including with our UK, French and Channel Island colleagues,’ said head of Law Enforcement Damian Kitchen.
‘As just one example, I understand the Leopardess is now a remote Tetra radio platform to ensure we have communications wherever we need them, the importance of which cannot be overstated.
‘I’m pleased that the work has been completed and that we have the vessel back, and intend that teams across Law Enforcement will start putting it to good use very soon. This will include consulting with stakeholders as to how to maximise the investment the States has rightly committed to the vessel.’
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