Goodchild Marine Services Contract Award
Tuesday, 20th April 2021
Goodchild Marine Services Limited and Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) are delighted to announce that following a competitive tendering process, contracts have been signed for the signing of boat building contracts that will see the authority take delivery of new research and patrol boats in 2022.
Eastern IFCA’s district encompasses the counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk and extends 6 nautical miles out to sea. Its role is to manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries area. It does this by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental, and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries, and a viable fishing industry.
Goodchild Marine is one of the country’s leading commercial boat builders, and for over 40 years, it has developed a reputation for innovation and quality. This patrol boat, a Lynx 16m catamaran costing £1.6m, will have a Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat, various winches, sensors, and sampling equipment. Not to mention an onboard laboratory to analyse samples, as science and research are fundamental to EIFCA’s work.
The patrol boatvessel can reach speeds of 22kts and will have the latest engines in terms of efficiency and emissions compliance (IMO Tier III).
Stephen Pierce, General Manager at Goodchild Marine Services Limited, said: “This is another example of our commitment to support our fishing industry as well as adding value to the local economy as we will use several local supply chain companies on this project”.
Julian Gregory, CEO of Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said, “We are pleased that a local company has been awarded the contract for our replacement research vessel.
This will enable us to be closely involved with the build process and benefit the local economy. The design of the new vessel will improve upon our current capabilities, and a projected long service life will ensure that we get value for money.
We have a can-do attitude, as we work towards the UK Governments’ commitment to deliver a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas. This vessel will increase our capabilities on managing fisheries and conserving the marine environment.
