Nauplius Workboats will build a new 25-metre x 10.6-metre hybrid aquaculture service vessel for Inverlussa Marine Services. It is the fifth vessel Nauplius has developed for the Mull-based marine operator.

The contract forms part of a landmark investment by Inverlussa, which has signed build contracts for three new hybrid-power vessels across three different shipyards, a programme that will expand Inverlussa‘s fleet to 25 vessels once all new builds are delivered in summer 2027.

For Nauplius Workboats, winning one of those three contracts is a milestone that reflects the relationship built over many years and multiple successful deliveries. Previous Nauplius-built vessels for Inverlussa include the Isaac Eslea, a 27-metre x 13-metre hybrid aquaculture support vessel, and its sister ship the Eloise Eslea, delivered in November 2022. The new vessel will be named Grace Lamont.

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Battery-hybrid

The new vessel will be equipped with battery-hybrid capability and IMO Tier III-compliant engines, delivering lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency compared with earlier generations. The aquaculture vessel will also feature private en-suite cabin facilities reflecting a commitment to high-quality onboard accommodation for crews.

The vessel will be built with Nauplius Workboats’ established network of specialist partners, including Macduff Ship Design, Blokland Non-Ferro for propulsion, De Flux for accommodation outfitting, SupTech for hull construction support, and Couperus Hydrauliek for hydraulic systems. Nauplius will also be commencing a new partnership with Zeppelin on this project, with Caterpillar main engines supplied and supported by Zeppelin.

Inverlussa Managing Director Ben Wilson: ‘We will continue to invest in the latest vessels, technology and our crew to maintain our position as the leading aquaculture service vessel operator in Scotland.’

Picture: The new vessel will be equipped with battery-hybrid capability and IMO Tier III-compliant engines (image by Nauplius Workboats).

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