Past and PresentPort of Dover

MV Dovorian – Past and Present

MV Dovorian

© Ashley Hunn

Dovorian – © Ashley Hunn

Glass reinforced plastic hulled, twin screw Aqua-Star Nelson 42, built in 2006 by Goodchild Marine Services Ltd, Burgh Castle nr Great Yarmouth (Yard No. DHB42-001), for Dover Harbour Board as a harbour patrol/pilot vessel

Technical Data

  • Class: Aqua Star Nelson 42’ Pilot
  • Length: 12.80m
  • Beam: 4.24m
  • Breadth of Hull: 3.98m (moulded)
  • Draught: 1.08m
  • Tonnage: 15.12 tons displacement
  • Engines: 2 x Scania D19 46M diesels
  • Power: 259kw (352 bhp at 2,200 rpm)
  • Speed: 23 knots
  • Capacity: 7 Passengers (max)
  • Call Sign: MNDF9
  • MCA Unique Number: M06PB0120888
  • MMSI Number: 235037385
  • Registry: Dover/United Kingdom

 History

Dovorian is a twin screw launch of 12.80m in length, with a moulded beam of 3.98m, a draft of 1.08m and displacement (approximate) of 13 tons. Some 1,300 litres of fuel and 30 litres of fresh water can be accommodated. Provision is made for a maximum complement of seven persons. The hull and superstructure is moulded in accordance with Lloyds Register of Shipping SSC rules appropriate to Pilot Vessels and complies with the requirements of the MCA Harmonized Workboat Code of Practice for Pilot Vessels – category 3.

The Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hull is a one piece moulding manufactured by Aquastar Guernsey at their own yard and delivered to Godchild as a complete hull, incorporating girders, stringers, transverse frames and bulkheads. A one piece GRP deck moulding manufactured on the premises by Goodchild is bonded to the hull with mechanical fastenings, adhesive and over-bonding. The bilges are finished in gel coat and the machinery compartment and exposed internal surface coated with a fire retardent. Wheelhouse and superstructure were also produced on site and constructed as a balsa cored, one piece moulding bonded to the main deck. The forward coach style roof has a bolted, removable section to enable the engines to be removed.

Internal space is divided into five compartments; the forepeak and forward accommodation (used for stowage and as a watertight void space), the machinery compartment, wheelhouse and after-peak, all of which have watertight doors or hatches. All hatches, doors and windows were selected from the ‘Seaglaze’ range. The wheelhouse features seating for the helmsman to port and crewman to starboard, and in all five KAB 301K adjustable suspension seats with armrests and lap belts. All seats are mounted on base units, forming stowage lockers. An additional bench seat on the portside is also provided with lap belts.

Dovorian is powered by two Scania D19 46M main engines rated 352 bhp (259kW) at 2,200 rpm. Power is transmitted to a pair of heavy duty propellers via Twin Disc MGX 5114A close coupled, down angle, ‘Quickshift’ gearboxes with a 2.04:1 ratio. Clements Engineering has supplied stern gear and propellers for Goodchild boats for many years and do so again for Dovorian.”

Source: Maritime Journal 

October 11th 2006: Formally introduced and christened DOVORIAN, by Mrs Dibble the wife of Dover Harbour Board then chairman. She replaced DIPLOMAT.

© Nigel Thornton  © Nigel Thornton

© Nigel Thornton

© Ted Ingham  © Ted Ingham

© Ted Ingham  © Ted Ingham

© Ted Ingham

© Ray Goodfellow 2014  lillarge23

© Ray Goodfellow


All information is believed to be correct and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions found. All items included in this article are subject to © copyright. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking: Alan Goodchild , Ashley Hunn and Ted Ingham for their assistance in compiling this feature.

 Article © Nigel Thornton and Ray Goodfellow (Dover Ferry Photos Group)

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