NLB launches Pharos

Northern Lighthouse Board?s new multi function tender ?Pharos? was launched recently at the Gdansk Stocznia Remontowa S.A. yard, Poland. On completion later this year in October, the 84.20 metre long new vessel will make the 1,200 mile passage from Gdansk to the Board?s base at Oban, on the West Coast of Scotland, where she will be based.

The ship will be equipped with dynamic positioning, a large aft working deck area, integrated bridge management system and forward helicopter flight deck. As well as undertaking the full range of tasks such as buoy maintenance and lighthouse support, the newbuilding will be able to carry out additional tasks such as hydrographic surveying and wreck finding. She will have additional accommodation for other staff and passengers and will be built to the latest environmental standards.

Powered by three Wartsila 8L20 and two 4L20 medium speed gensets with a total output of 5,480kW powering two 1500kW Rolls Royce azimuthing thrusters.

The ship will work mainly in Scottish and Manx waters (the area covered by the Board) servicing over 200 automatic lighthouses, buoys, beacons and will act as a working platform for aids to navigation project work as well as carrying out commercial work under contract.

The ship is being financed by the Royal Bank of Scotland with leasing costs being met by the General Lighthouse Fund. This fund, which is under the trusteeship of the UK Secretary of State for Transport who has approved the order, is financed by Light Dues paid by vessels visiting UK and Irish ports.

The Polish shipyard is also building a sistership for Trinity House called ?Galatea?.