New 6.2 metre MST RIB recently delivered to the Isle of Man fisheries department

RIB specialists MST (Marine Specialised Technology Ltd) has recently added an extra 20,000 sq ft facility to its harbour-side manufacturing premises. Which is just as well; because MST’s highly successful range of commercial and military RIBs continues to attract ever more new clients; both in the UK and world wide.

One such recent convert to the MST brand is the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. To be used for the enforcement of Sea Fisheries legislation and environmental monitoring, this new MST RIB replaces a previous boat (from a different manufacturer) that was only operable from the Fisheries’ mother ship, the Barrule. Named the Enbarr (after a legendary horse that could run over both land and sea) this new MST RIB has the power and range to work as a ‘stand alone’ vessel (that can be launched from the shore) in addition to operating from the mother ship the Barrule.

Isle of Man Fisheries Minister Phil Gawne said: “I am very pleased to see the launch of a second DAFF vessel that will lower operating costs and reduce the Department’s carbon footprint, whilst simultaneously allowing us to increase our operational efficiency. Enbarr can operate entirely independently of the Barrule, and can be launched from a beach or jetty in a matter of moments. It can operate throughout the whole of the Territorial Sea, and with a top speed of over 40 knots.”

MST director Philip Hilbert says; “This new RIB is the first MST 620WB-4 model, which has been developed from the successful 620WB which is in service all over the world. The 620WB-4 offers the same superior layout of aft helm, mid-ship engine driving stern drive and forward working deck; but it now offers 4 crew seats aft. It will be used for boarding and interception and is designed for stern ramp launching from the patrol mother vessel (MV Barrule); but it is also MCA Workboat Cat.3 approved to allow autonomous use away from mother vessel to further extend the agencies operational and strategic abilities.”
The 620WB-4 is 6.2 m long, 2.45 m wide and is powered by a 190 HP Volvo Penta Duoprop sterndrive. It has an endurance of 3.0 hrs at full speed (40 knots).

The boat has been delivered to the Isle of Man after successful sea trials on the Mersey and in Manx waters. The contract speed was significantly exceeded.

The Isle of Man Fisheries Department says that the experienced crew of the mother ship the Barrule - who will operate this new MST RIB - have all commented that it exceeds their expectations and is a great improvement on their current boarding boat.