PORTS of Jersey’s new workboat has arrived in the Island as the States-owned entity seeks to “expand the business” by bolstering its fleet.
The multipurpose craft, which will take on an array of commercial marine projects, was officially welcomed with a ceremony on the Albert Pier.
Ports recently announced that it had purchased the five-year-old vessel having allocated £5.3 million from its commercial revenues, expanding its fleet – which also consists of the Duke of Normandy, Duchess and Elisa workboats.
Built in 2019, Viking Energy measures 26.48 metres by 11 metres and carries a variety of useful equipment for commercial tasks.
She will primarily operate around the UK and EU supporting marine projects.
Jersey’s harbourmaster, Captain Bill Sadler, said: “It’s much more of a specialist vessel, the way she’s laid out with the winches and the cranes.
“She’s also got what’s called a dynamic positioning system, so she can drive herself.”
He added that Viking Energy already has work “lined up” both locally and abroad, stating that Ports “definitely has plans to expand the business”.
He continued: “These are commercial vessels, so they are here to make money,” adding that the funds generated could then be reinvested into the Island – for example through the improvement of Ports’ facilities – instead of relying on local boat owners and harbour fees.
“The more money we can generate off-Island, the better really.”
