Port opts for sustainable multi-purpose work boat

The Gannet’s principal function is to clear debris from the water surface and it will play a vital role in helping to keep Lowestoft Harbour and Lake Lothing clear of pollution.

“The Gannet will play a vital role in helping us with the clearance of litter that regularly cumulates in the harbour as a result of the strong prevailing from the Southern North Sea,” said Tom Duit, operations manager at ABP’s Port of Lowestoft.

“The new craft will also play an important role in supporting our day-to-day operations, for example supporting vital bridge maintenance activities, in a more sustainable way.”

Green vessel

The Gannet’s sustainability contribution to the Port of Lowestoft extends beyond the collecting of litter. It is hybrid-powered, with a solar-panelled roof generating green electricity and is made from recycled aluminium, which can be recycled again at the end of its life.

It was named as a result of an ABP-sponsored local school competition, which was won by a Year 3 pupil from Woods Loke Primary School.

The name also follows the Port of Lowestoft’s tradition of using bird names to name new equipment at the port.

The vessel’s developer, Water Witch, is a Liverpool-based, family-owned business, which has developed a range of workboats that can be used to perform a wide range of duties in addition to debris removal.

The Gannet is a Versi-Cat Trash Skimmer and was delivered to the Port of Lowestoft on 1 March 2023.

ABP’s investment in the Gannet is the latest step in its recently published its wide-ranging new sustainability strategy – Ready for Tomorrow – which is backed by a plan to invest around GB£2 billion across decarbonising its own operations by 2040 at the latest.