Wicklow Port based multi-disciplinary marine company, Alpha Marine has acquired a Damen Shipyard built multi-cat of their 2309 design, which had been operating in the Netherlands.

The purchase of the multicat from Purus HST of Swansea, Wales, was concluded in mid-December and represents a significant investment by the Irish marine consultancy company which has an existing fleet of five vessels providing tug, workboat charter and marine survey services.

AMS Retriever is the new name given to the multipurpose Dutch shipyard built vessel which will work throughout Europe in support of offshore and near shore energy projects, dredging as well as port infrastructure.

The shallow draft multicat is a powerful and versatile craft suitable for near coastal marine civil support projects. In addition the multicat is an ideal partner for dredge assist, towage, survey, anchor and buoy handling duties.

Equipped with powerful crane and winches, AMS Retriever has a bollard pull of 16.2 tonnes and has a Bureau Veritas (BV) classification giving the vessel plying limits for un-restricted navigation.

A deck load is available for 24 hour operations and a crew of 7 have accommodation in heated and air conditioned cabins.

With the AMS Retriever joining the company, Afloat highlights that a former tug of the same name is no longer part of the fleet.