Sea fisheries protection vessel in Netherlands for refurbishment
Guernsey's sea fisheries protection vessel, The Leopardess, is currently in the Netherlands being refurbished. The boat has been out of action since the start of 2024. According to the States of Guernsey, the project is set to cost at least £500,000. A spokesman for the Committee for Home Affairs said: "The anticipated cost of this essential work will be £510k and an additional contingency figure has been set aside."
What is the Leopardess?
The Leopardess is used to enforce fishing laws in bailiwick waters.It came into service in 1998 and, at the time, was meant to have a 20-year lifespan. Guernsey's States said it was there to "act as a credible deterrent" to illegal fishing.It has also been often used by other agencies, including Guernsey Police and the prison service to transport prisoners from Guernsey to the UK.
In March 2024, the States announced that up to £560k of criminal proceeds would be spent refurbishing the vessel.Earlier that year, concerns were raised by politicians that it did not have the right code compliance certificate to go to sea. Since then it has been out of action and Home Affairs has said it does not yet know how long the refurbishment in the Netherlands will take. In the time it is out of action, however, "its duties are being covered by other vessels already used in the island," according to the States.
Why now?
Despite being scheduled for refurbishment in 2024, delays at the shipyard meant the work could only take place this year. Home Affairs said that "due to the extent of works planned, the refurbishment is best undertaken by the original manufacturer".The States admitted in November 2024 "despite best endeavours, a delay has been incurred in the schedule to refurbish the Leopardess. However, planning and preparation is now in its final phase".In 2015, the then Commerce and Employment (C&E) Department announced the Leopardess needed replacement. However a move by Deputy Heidi Soulsby, following pressure from the Confederation of Guernsey Industry, led to the vessel being kept in service. At the time, C&E had warned if the Leopardess was kept in service past 2016 it would need a major refit costing £500,000.
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