The Diplomat
The Spanish company Astilleros Gondán will build a multipurpose vessel for the support and maintenance of lighthouses and buoys in Scotland, for an amount of 51.8 million pounds (more than 60 million euros).
The Asturian shipping company announced yesterday that it had been awarded a contract by Scotland to build the innovative hybrid propulsion vessel, which will replace the current NLV POLE STAR of the same name, at its Castropol facilities.
The new vessel, scheduled for delivery in mid-2025, will be one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly ships in its class.
It will feature advanced navigation and communications systems, enabling hydrographic surveys and marine disaster location, and will have a range of energy-efficient technologies that will help reduce its carbon footprint.
The Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), designated as the overall lighthouse authority for Scotland and its adjacent seas and islands, including the Isle of Man, has provided a vital safety service to mariners since 1786 and is responsible for the superintendence and management of all lights, buoys and beacons in Scottish and Isle of Man waters.
They currently manage and maintain 208 lighthouses and 174 buoys, and operate two vessels which carry out beacon work, deliver provisions and supplies to lighthouses and inspect aids to navigation on oil and gas platforms off the Scottish coast.
