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Displaying items by tag: Lighthouse Vessel

Northern Lighthouse Board's NLV Pharos, one of two ships that service and maintain lighthouses and marine Aids to Navigation in Scotland and the Isle of Man, will be in Douglas Harbour to hold Open Days for the public this weekend (23-24 July).

NLV Pharos will be berthed in the Manx capital alongside the Victoria Pier with free ship tours from 2 pm to 4 pm. This will enable the public to get a chance to board the aids to navigation ship, meet the crew and find out about their work as part of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Mike Bullock, NLB’s Chief Executive, said: “This is a rare opportunity for the public to come on board and to meet the crew. Visitors will get a real insight into our operations and vital safety service for mariners in Scottish and Isle of Man waters. We know Pharos is often seen in Manx waters, but this is a chance to get onboard our most modern vessel. The open days are a welcome opportunity for NLB to forge links with the local community and showcase what we do.”

The homeport of NLV Pharos is Oban, in west Scotland, and the vessel works mainly in Scottish and Isle of Man waters. In addition to the ship’s primary role in responding to wrecks and new navigational dangers, this highly sophisticated vessel supports maintaining and refurbishing NLB’s 200-plus lighthouses and conducting buoy operations.

NLV Pharos came into service in 2007 and is equipped with a helicopter pad, dynamic positioning, a 30 Tonne crane and a hydrographic survey suite.

In recent months, Afloat reported on the dry-docking 'Special Survey' of the NLV Pharos, which took place at Harland & Wolff's Belfast shipyard.

Published in Isle of Man

About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.