Assessment of Boatyard Facilities on the River Thames - Mayor of ...

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Note <strong>of</strong> telephone conversation with
Sean Collins <strong>of</strong> Thames Clippers on
11th January 2007
Thames Clippers will be operating 12 vessels this year. Each requires a 10 day refit
in dry dock when works are carried out under the supervision <strong>of</strong> a marine surveyor
to satisfy the licence requirements <strong>of</strong> the MCA. This requirement could lead to a
more regular requirement for refit throughout the year.
Thames Clippers was using A & P at Ramsgate for refit work. The clippers can get
to Ramsgate in 2.5 hours! (This firm went into voluntary liquidation in May 2006).
Thamescraft floating dry docks at Greenwich are now used but this does not have
covered facilities or a sufficient range <strong>of</strong> directly employed skilled workers.
On average each boat receives propeller damage four times per year. At the moment
boats are taken to Putney and repairs are undertaken on the foreshore at low tide.
Use <strong>of</strong> boat is lost for 8 hours.
Thames Clippers is looking to establish a submersible pontoon at Trinity Buoy Wharf
where damaged propellers etc can be dealt with. It is not proposed that this location
would be used for major refits.
Mike Adams
Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd.
11th January 2007
<strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Boatyard</strong> <strong>Facilities</strong> on the River Thames Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd - April 2007