Great Yarmouth area company signs major boat contract

NR Marine Services, based at Caister, has struck a deal with Isle of Wight-based Diverse Marine over the building of a 27m crew transfer vessel (CTV).

The NR Predator will be built at Diverse Marine and is the first in a new class of boat.

She is being built as ‘hybrid ready’, with an insulated generator space ready to receive generators and batteries.

But to start with the vessel will be conventionally powered with a quad Volvo Penta IPS900 engine and drive system.

Other features of the new craft include enhanced foredeck capacity and wheelhouse visibility.

An option for a second vessel has also been secured.

Owen Nutt, director of NR Marine Services, said: “Ordering our first new build with an option for another is a significant milestone for NR Marine Services.

"At present we operate a number of 20m CTV’s and have nurtured strong relationships with our clients allowing us to take the next step in our business development.

"Over the last few years, we have established a close working relationship with the Diverse Marine team and are very proud to be working with them to develop and build NR Predator in the UK”.

The contract comes as Diverse Marine is constructing a £1.6m new vessel for Caister Lifeboat.

The 14m Medina class lifeboat is due to become operational next year.

Ben Colman, director of Diverse Marine, said: “The maritime supply chain in the UK has had many challenges over the last few years, but it continues to demonstrate that the UK is leading the way with innovations that will define the way vessels are built and operated worldwide.

"The UK provides world-leading quality, innovation, competitive project cost and close working relationships with the client, yard and supply chain.

"We have worked closely with Owen at NR Marine Services over the last few years on refit projects, and we are pleased to work with Owen and his team on the development of this new class of CTV”.