The 18-metre Meercat, Toplift was sold as a new build vessel in 2014 to her original and current owners, marine engineering specialist, Topbond.
The Meercat multirole vessel (MRV)’s first assignment was as a wind farm support and civil engineering work vessel operating in the Thames estuary. Powered by twin Doosan L086TIH delivering 530hp total, she has a top speed of 8.5 knots. Toplift showcased her impressive featured, which includes twin 40 t/m Iron Fist cranes, an 7 tonne deck winch and 47 tonnes of liquid or dry cargo payload, all of which were all delivered in less than one metre of water in her inaugural role.
Since that time she has been in regular work and has undertaken a variety of work, from oil spill response on the Solent, to London Airport expansion project through to bridge reparation on the Thames.
Glenn Springett, MD of Topbond comments, “Over the years Toplift has proved herself as invaluable in our operations. She was initially purchased to support our marine engineering works, however we have discovered her so versatile that she is operating across all sectors including rescue, dredging, surveying, and renewables, as well as general port and harbour servicing. She is truly unique in her multirole capabilities.”
“Due to our success with Toplift, we subsequently purchased two additional vessels; the 15m x 6m #MC29, Toploader in 2017, and the first-in-class MRV22m landing craft, Toplander MC32 in 2019, which are both used directly by us as well as offered out on contract.”
The team at Meercat Boats has recently welcomed Toplift back to the yard where she underwent her MCA Five Year Survey and received refurbishment in order to bring her back to tip-topbond (sorry – Ed.) condition. Visit www.topbond.co.uk to find out more about the Topbond Group.
Contact the Meercat team on sales@meercatboats.com to discuss how a Meercat Multi Role Vessel (MRV) can help your marine business grow.
