13 January 2006

DML SECURES LIFEBOAT CONTRACT EXTENSION

DML Group, the defence support specialist, has been contracted by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to supply a further four of the new generation fast, high-tech Tamar Class lifeboats, following earlier contracts to design the boats and supply the first five - the first of which was unveiled at the London Boat Show last week.

The 16 metre Tamar Class slipway-launched boat, developed by DML and RNLI designers and fitted out by DML, is one of the world's most advanced lifeboats representing a new breed and major step forward in lifeboat design. Designed for faster response times and to give more protection to the crews on board, the Tamar class boats have a range of 250 miles and top speed of 25 knots from their 1,000 BHP diesel engines.

Among numerous innovative new features, the Tamar Class is equipped with the latest advanced computer technology to give crews operational information at the touch of a button during rescue missions. The Systems and Information Management System (SIMS) also enables the lifeboat engineers to check boat engine performance on screen and allows remote management of many of the lifeboat's functions, as well as improved task-sharing among the crew.

New safety features include an advanced ergonomically-designed crew seat, proven to reduce stress on crew members' backs while at sea. Specialist suspension characteristics help cushion the impact of rough weather.

DML won the competitive contract to help the RNLI design this new class of lifeboat in 1998. An experimental boat was built by DML at Devonport in 2001 which it subsequently converted, following evaluation and trials, into a prototype. This boat ran out of Devonport until being based at Poole, where it was used for further evaluation and training in the run-up to operational acceptance by the RNLI, before going into service.

During this period DML was also selected to outfit six new Severn Class lifeboats for the RNLI. The company has also undertaken refits and repairs of other RNLI craft, including refitting eight Severn Class, five Tyne Class, plus a Mersey and a Trent Class.

DML is currently executing a contract to deliver four Tamar Class lifeboats, and a second contract to deliver a further four was secured last month (December 2005). The first of the production boats (unveiled at the London Boat Show this month) was accepted by the RNLI in November 2005 and will be based at Tenby from spring 2006, where a new slipway has been purpose-built. The second is undergoing harbour acceptance trials and will be on station afloat at Peterhead by the end of April 2006. The third, destined for Padstow in the summer, is currently being outfitted, and the fourth, destined for Longhope in the Orkney Isles, has just completed painting and is also now being outfitted.

The composite hull of the first of the second batch of Tamar Class lifeboats is now at Devonport.

The Tamar Class replaces the Tyne Class slipway launched lifeboat, introduced in 1981.

DML Group is a principal support contractor to the Royal Navy, providing comprehensive through-life support for submarines, surface ships, and defence systems and equipments. Through its Devonport and Appledore facilities it offers specialised warship design and build services for vessels up to 130 metres. The company has recently developed concept designs for a versatile patrol vessel (VPV) and future surface combatant (the next generation of frigate). DML has been able to draw on its naval experience in the design and build of the Tamar Class lifeboats, and has integrated a number of military processes into the design.

Further information is available from www.devonport.co.uk or www.rnli.org.uk