WIREDGOV

Lesley Griffiths gave Wales’ fisheries patrol team a major boost yesterday when she launched the Welsh Government’s latest high speed patrol boat.

The Cabinet Secretary was in Conwy Marina to officially christen the new vessel FPV Catrin, named in memory of Catrin Glyndwr, a prominent woman in Welsh history, and the daughter of the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr.  

FPV Catrin will provide a high speed response capability to ensure Wales continues to effectively enforce fisheries and marine laws.  The new vessel will proudly fly the prestigious Welsh Government Marine and Fisheries enforcement flag, manufactured in Swansea.

FPV Catrin is the first new vessel constructed by ship builders Marine Specialised Technology (MST).  During the visit the Cabinet Secretary met MST staff involved in its design and construction.   

FPV Catrin is the first of three new patrol vessels. FPV Rhodri Morgan and FPV Lady Megan are currently under construction in Pembrokeshire and are scheduled to be delivered to Welsh ports later in the year. 

Speaking prior to cutting the ribbon, offering champagne as a toast and placing green leaves on the vessel for a safe return, Lesley Griffiths said:

“I am delighted to be here in Conwy to celebrate the christening launch of our new Fisheries Patrol Vessel Catrin.  

“Our new vessel will ensure we can continue to effectively enforce fisheries and marine laws. It will help us meet our commitment to manage our fish stocks sustainably and safeguard Wales’ fishing industry and our coastal communities in the years ahead.

“I would like to thank MST – without their dedication and efforts this day would not have been possible.”

Philip Hilbert, Sales Director, Marine Specialised Technology Limited said:

“MST is very privileged to be involved in this prestigious project. 

“This is the largest example to date of our highly regarded High-Speed Patrol Boat series of fully enclosed wheelhouse Rigid Inflatable Boats and at 13m in length is now the flagship of our range. 

“Working with the Welsh Government has been a great experience for us and resulted in an exceptional craft which we are very proud of. Our relationship has been a partnership in which we have worked together to produce one of the most comprehensive vessels of this size and type. As a result it offers unparalleled levels of innovation, technology and capability which we are sure will serve the Fisheries for many years to come.”