No justification to replace Leopardess
THE Guernsey Press of 15 September features an article and photograph concerning the replacement of the fisheries protection vessel Leopardess and the concerns of Castel deputy Barry Paint. The article speaks for itself, but the photograph of Deputy Paint shows two vessels, posing a question. The vessels are the 17-year-old Leopardess that it is proposed be sold off for a peppercorn and the 41-year-old Brecqhou Lass that is in 'as new' condition with an open-ended operational life expectancy ahead of her.
As the person directly responsible for the Brecqhou Lass (and the 48-year-old Brecqhou Warrior that has had a similar background and is in a similar pristine mechanical condition), I wonder if the below points may be of interest to those soon to take important decisions.
In a former ownership some 15 years ago, the Brecqhou Lass reached a low point in her life. Near to abandonment, her life hung in the balance. Recognising her potential, however, she was purchased and a long-term maintenance programme commenced. New engines, auxiliary power generator, hull rework, new navigation suite, hydraulics, transparencies, passenger and crew seating, an 80% rewire, bow thruster installation, fuel system rework, fire suppression upgrade and many lesser items. Each was carefully planned, sometimes years ahead, then the work completed.
The totality of cost was not a fraction of the £3m. noted to replace the Leopardess, yet the vessels are similar in size and complexity, with the 'Lass' well over twice the age. I urge those responsible to think very carefully before their next decision. In my personal experience and opinion, with the facts I have, there is simply no justification or reason to replace the Leopardess at all. She is a fine vessel. The need is to change the maintenance strategy and commitment, not the vessel.
As a person who also has responsibility for various air assets, and with some 45 years' experience in aviation, I note that Aurigny is part way through a process similar in nature to the above in replacing Trislanders with Dorniers. For both the Leopardess and Joey, the task has not changed. For Aurigny, the problem has never been the Trislander, the type was designed for the route it has served so well. The problem is, once again, the maintenance strategy and commitment. The three Dorniers will prove a very expensive purchase at £18m. At just over a third of that, £6,750,000, three brand new Trislanders can be purchased.
If the States of Guernsey still insist on spending the full £18m., then target Alderney's runway upgrade – not purchasing turbine aircraft. Turbine engines on short, low level, over sea flights are a marriage never blessed, whatever the aircraft type. Such operations dictate rugged piston engines.
I hope these thoughts are of some use.
MARK HARRISSON,
Brecqhou Island.
