The North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) has received its new patrol vessel, The North Western Protector. She will replace the aging Solway Protector which has seen over 30 years of service.
The North Western Protector measures in at 20m long and 8.4 metres beam. She is equipped with two 1100hp MAN engines and has a top speed of approximately 25 knots. The facilities on board will greatly increase both NWIFCA’s enforcement and science operations. These include:
- Cabin facilities for 6 officers
- Wet laboratory space
- Dry laboratory space
- Stern ramp launching facilities
- Crane
- Net and pot hauler
- Space to store ATV’s on deck