The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft, je
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Down below, the machinery spaces are accessed via The bow ramp can be folded away One of the two Caterpillar C12 diesels watertight flush deck hatches. The twin Caterpillar C12 six-cylinder diesels producing 339kW at 2100rpm are coupled to Twin Disc QuickShift gearboxes. These drive Australian-made five-bladed propellers via a Henleys 3in conventional shaft drive chain and rudder system, designed in-house. The hydraulic system coupled to the engines drives the crane, water pumps and ramp operating system. Because the ES8 uses a lot of salt water for washing down and is constantly bringing wet material on board, Seaworth air-water separators ventilate the machinery spaces and compartments to ensure salt spray or water does not enter any internal spaces. A Lewmar hydraulic side-thruster is used when the crew is working in tight spaces when someone berths a ship in the way or at a dead corner. ES8 has been designed with a full walk-around so the crew can use long-handled nets or a grapple and lasso. During sea trials she attained a top speed of 22 knots, requirements included the size of the wheel and the required turns lock-to-lock. With a conventional hydraulic system, the load on the wheel would have been excessive when sized at six turns lock-to-lock. The C-Drive allows one turn lock-to-lock using an electric helm, so the steering response is faster and lighter, offering less fatigue for the skipper. The system controls a constant running pump set driving twin steering rams with hydraulic synchro-valves to accurately align the twin rudder setup. The Garmin electronic package, also supplied from Australia, includes their 15in touch-screen multi- function display and the GPS Map 5015 linked to a GMR 18HD 36-mile 4kW radar and a GSD 22 sounder. Communications are provided by a Garmin 200 VHF radio. A Fusion music system helps the crew pass the time while handing the dirty bits. giving a service speed of 17 knots, well within her specified requirements. As stated, her helm is very quick to respond and sensitive to the touch. This unusual feature makes it easy for the skipper to manoeuvre in very tight spots, but can be a bastard when steering by hand in a seaway. Thank goodness for autopilots. The ES8 is a well-constructed and versatile vessel with a large load-carrying capacity and is easily capable of undertaking her duties. Other local authorities or port companies might like to consider a similar vessel in future when considering tools to combat the constant stream of urban rubbish entering our waterways. The fact that she was delivered and handed over in Sydney a month early speaks for itself, reinforcing the ability of New Zealand companies to deliver on time and on budget. Since her delivery and entering service, ES8 has delivered all that was expected of her and more. This in itself is a significant achievement, for when it comes to pleasing the Aussies with a Kiwi-built craft as they can be among the worst critics in the south, and are noted for being quick to have a dig in the spirit of ANZAC rivalry. We also understand the Environmental Services Agency presented a highly complimentary report on the delivery acceptance trials. This alone is no mean feat for any company in the current economic climate, especially one dealing with a competitive Australian contract. The upshot is one more example of the "Kiwis can do" attitude of our small shipbuilding industry. ■ Length overall Beam VIP.WB12 16.34m 7m Draft 1.4m Engines Power Speed Service speed Fuel Fresh water Designer 2 x Caterpillar C12 marine diesels 2 x 339kW 22 knots 17 knots 2000 litres 400 litres One2Three Naval Architects, Australia Builder Q-West Boat Builders Limited, New Zealand 64 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 specifications