On 24 January the new state-of-the-art hovercraft completed by St Helens-based Hoverwork Ltd flew the nest in readiness for intensive trials. The AP1-88/400 welldeck variant Mamilossa has been constructed for the Canadian Coastguard. Measuring 28.5m by 12m, the craft has undertaken trials in the Solent including endurance as well as and trialling the Palfinger 650002 marine hydraulic crane. The latter will be utilised to lift navigation aids weighing up to 4,500kg for servicing. As well as operating as a buoy tender on the St Lawrence Seaway, Mamilossa will also serve as an icebreaker for flood prevention, a search and rescue craft and, using her ro-ro capability, a ferry for transporting equipment to tidal areas. She will be stationed at the Coastguard Hovercraft base at Trois Rivieres, Quebec. The 50-knot, 75-tonne craft was ordered in 2006 and the hull was fabricated at the Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth.
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