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Displaying items by tag: Acquire tonnage

Wicklow Port based multi-disciplinary marine company, Alpha Marine has acquired a Damen Shipyard built multi-cat of their 2309 design, which had been operating in the Netherlands.

The purchase of the multicat from Purus HST of Swansea, Wales, was concluded in mid-December and represents a significant investment by the Irish marine consultancy company which has an existing fleet of five vessels providing tug, workboat charter and marine survey services.

AMS Retriever is the new name given to the multipurpose Dutch shipyard built vessel which will work throughout Europe in support of offshore and near shore energy projects, dredging as well as port infrastructure.

The shallow draft multicat is a powerful and versatile craft suitable for near coastal marine civil support projects. In addition the multicat is an ideal partner for dredge assist, towage, survey, anchor and buoy handling duties.

Equipped with powerful crane and winches, AMS Retriever has a bollard pull of 16.2 tonnes and has a Bureau Veritas (BV) classification giving the vessel plying limits for un-restricted navigation.

A deck load is available for 24 hour operations and a crew of 7 have accommodation in heated and air conditioned cabins.

With the AMS Retriever joining the company, Afloat highlights that a former tug of the same name is no longer part of the fleet.

Published in Ports & Shipping

About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances