Workboat designs unveiled for multipurpose operations

Naval architects at SMS Group have revised existing designs and introduced new designs for towing vessels, anchor handlers and workboats.

The UK-headquartered vessel construction group has revealed the Bulldog range of vessels including multipurpose workboats, landing craft, renewables support vessels and aquaculture assistance vessels. This new series of vessels range from 9 m to 36 m and could be built with hybrid propulsion.

SMS formed a strong bond with James Walker from Walker Marine Design (WMD) to design the workboats.

It also appointed David Rutter as manager of small boats to utilise his 20-year experience in workboats and naval vessels.

SMS managing director Chris Norman said its new workboats team will enable the company to use its extensive work within the defence sector and the superyacht space in commercial boat design and construction. “This new investment helps to secure our prominence within the UK, and international, workboat space,” he said.

SMS’ Bulldog 10 and 12 vessel designs are based on harbour vessels and light marine support. Its Bulldog 16 and 17 designs are ready for multipurpose workboat, renewables support and aquaculture assistance.

Bulldog 18 and 20 could be used for building larger multipurpose workboats and towing vessels.

There are variants of Bulldog 24 and 25 for landing craft, towing operations, offshore renewables support, anchor handling and oilfield platform support requirements.

SMS’ sister company, Wight Shipyard, has completed its first hybrid harbour patrol vessel and intends to present it during Q2 2019.