4,3,2,1 Goodchild Marine Services Limited is “Building on Success”.

As we approach what has been for the entire country a particularly challenging year, we have to appreciate the positives from 2020 and look forward to a better 2021 for us all.

Four– That is the number of ORC pilot boats delivered by Goodchild Marine Services Limited to our clients in 2020. The final vessel being an ORC 121 STAMFORD, which this week arrives at its new home Port of Plymouth, (Cattewater Harbour Commissioners). Built to our usual high standards by a team of tradesmen who have demonstrated commitment, passion, and pride in their work throughout this most challenging of years.

Sue Goodchild Director said, “I am immensely proud of the entire team who have rallied together throughout 2020 to deliver four fantastic boats”.

ORC 121 STAMFORD is 12.5m in overall length, fitted with Twin Volvo Penta D8 engines – 331Kw each driving through a Twin Disc “Quick-shift” MGX-5126a reduction gearbox and delivering sufficient power to achieve a service speed of 22 knots with a top speed of 27 knots.

Three – Stamford is the third ORC 121 to be built, the first being KINGFISHER for ABP Lowestoft which was a key attraction on our stand at Seawork 2019 in Southampton. This was followed earlier in 2020 with an ORC 121 SEA SPRITE for the Port of Bridgwater.

Two – In 2020 we have delivered two ORC 121 Pilot boats to the South West, an area of the country which is stepped in maritime history. We are therefore pleased to be contributing to the maritime capability of the region’s ports. Hopefully, we will see more of our vessels operating in one of the country’s most important sea trade areas in the years to come.

One – We have now started work building the sister to our 12m ORC pilot boats, RORCAL 121 fishing boat. She is a first in class and will enter service in 2021 into the UK’s small commercial fishing fleet.

And so, with 2020 soon to be behind us, what about the future? Our order books are healthy following the recent announcement of a £9m contract from Associated British Ports to build nine pilot boats over the next four years. This means we can continue to support and attract the best designers, boat builders, marine engineers, and electricians to ensure the high quality of our work both to new clients but also to existing ones, to whom we pride ourselves on our that all important after sales support. All of this enhances the reputation of Goodchild Marine Services, a name associated with design, innovation, quality, and success.

Stephen Pierce, General Manager, said “The whole team has worked so hard this year, it is testament to their professionalism that we have been able to deliver four pilot boats in what, in the spring was particularly challenging for the manufacturing process due to the lockdown. We thank Harbour Master Richard Allan and all the Cattewater team, who have also played their part in this our last delivery of 2020”.

Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master for Cattewater Harbour Commissioners said “The arrival of the new Pilot vessel, Stamford, signifies a significant investment to our pilotage service here in Plymouth. Pilots are the primary control measure in the whole port risk assessment, and their safety is of paramount importance. The safety capabilities of the ORC 121 are very impressive and will provide a greater safety asset to the service here in Plymouth and those who are working with her. Additionally, due to design, efficiency will be vastly improved and the reduction in emissions from this vessel is a further commitment to the Port’s Air Quality Strategy. It has been a pleasure dealing with the team at Goodchild Marine during this turbulent year.”