Ship & Boat International: eNews June 2019
Welded-steel fabrication specialist Meercat Boats chose this year’s Seawork show to launch what it describes as its largest landing craft class to date. Dubbed the MRV22 (‘MRV’ denoting ‘multi-role vessel’), the new series has been designed by UK naval architect AG Salmon, and notable features include a cargo capacity of 50tonnes and Meercat’s ‘signature’ bespoke drop-down bow – the latter intended to facilitate access for trucks and heavy plant.
The first in this series, Toplander, was ordered by UK civil engineering firm Topbond, which has built up its business by providing support for various domestic jetty and harbour refurbishment schemes. The vessel measures 22.2m x 7.5m overall, features a moulded depth of 2m and, when loaded, draws 2.2m.
Toplander is fitted with twin Doosan L126TIH main engines, each rated 265kW at 2,000rpm, and has a speed of approximately 9knots. A Doosan 42kVA generator feeds the boat’s hotel needs. To complement the MRV22’s cargo-carrying capacity the deck has been fitted with a Heila crane, featuring a SWL of 1.55tonnes at 14.8m. The boat is also equipped with a pair of 3tonne-capacity Tenfjord capstans. The MRV22 has sufficient tankage for 4,000litres of fuel, 500litres of fresh water and 500litres of black water.
When it comes to accommodation, the class offers three berths inside two cabins; though, Meercat adds, the MRV22 can be customised to meet individual end user requirements.
