20 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION


Cleaning up plastics at Port Solent F


ighting plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and cleaning up our rivers is now big news, but one British


company has been designing and building innovative boats for this purpose for decades. Liverpool- based Water Witch Workboats has built over 200 specialist clean- up vessels for marina and port operators around the world and its latest client is Port Solent Marina operated by Premier Marinas on the South Coast of England. The 7.0 metre aluminium Versi-


Cat workboat has been built for the facility to replace its previous 6.0 metre Water Witch marina maintenance craft, which has seen many years hard service keeping the marina pristine. The new vessel boasts many extra features, including a drop-down aluminium operator canopy for navigating under low bridges. Moreover, one of the unique design


features of this vessel is the option to fit deck plates, which simply slot into one another to make a level working deck (even with the litter collection basket underneath). The handrails are also completely removable to help load on equipment. According to Jackie Caddick,


Director of Water Witch, the potential benefits for marinas are huge, with the chance to make a real environmental impact and enhance the water quality for all stakeholders. “Nobody wants to see floating litter in their marina or their berths choked in weed. Port


One of the unique design features of this vessel is the


option to fit deck plates, which simply slot into one another to make a level working deck


Solent, an award-winning Five Gold Anchor marina, has demonstrated its environmental commitment over many years, working hard to ensure a clean, safe marine environment and a first class visitor experience. It


joins some of the most prestigious marinas who have chosen Water Witch to help maintain their waterfronts. These include: The Pearl, Qatar; Royal Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi; Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles; and Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool.” Although the Versi-Cat’s main function is retrieving plastic litter, debris and aquatic vegetation (a seasonal problem for many waterfront operators), the versatile pontoon design also includes a range of ‘pods’ that sit between the hulls. They make these workboats extremely adaptable for a huge range of applications ranging from mobile pump-out and general maintenance support to buoy maintenance and dive support roles.


Mark Phillp, CMM, Port Solent’s Marina Manager, said: “Premier


takes its commitment to protecting the environment very seriously. This new boat is certainly an upgrade and will allow the team to efficiently collect debris and weed from the water to keep our waters clear. This is a significant investment for Premier and one we have made following feedback from our berth-holders.” Jackie Caddick added, “80% of


ocean plastics and marine litter originates from inland, so cleaning our rivers, marinas and harbours needs to be a priority if we are to tackle the problem. Premier’s Port Solent Marina is playing an important role in keeping plastic pollution from entering our ocean and landing on our beaches”. Water Witch Workboats info@waterwitch.com www.waterwitch.com


Vessel specification


Length (hull) Breadth Depth


Storage capacity (weight) Storage capacity (volume) Max engine size


Max speed (25 hp engine) MARINA INDUSTRY • FEBRUARY 2021


7.00 metres 2.50 metres 0.70 metres 1,000 kg


2.80 cu metres 50 hp


7-8 knots


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32