New mooring system for Stromness Lifeboat
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Work has begun on a new mooring pontoon for Stromness Lifeboat on the South Pier in Stromness Harbour.
Stewart Taylor, Lifeboat Operations Manager for the RNLI in Stromness said: “For some time we’ve been aware of the need to improve access to the lifeboat for the crew and for visitors to the boat. Presently they have to board via a vertical ladder which can be tricky in poor conditions and at low tide. This is especially true for the boat’s mechanic who has to transport large objects such as 20 litre oil drums and tools to the boat for maintenance.”
Mr Taylor added: “The RNLI is working with OIC to install a floating pontoon in the lifeboat’s current berth. This floating pontoon will be connected to the pier and will rise and fall with the tide. Access to the pontoon and the boat will be by a walkway connected to the pier at one end and the pontoon at the other.”
This is a similar design to the berthing system used at other RNLI stations such as Longhope and Kirkwall.
The work is being carried out by McLaughlin & Harvey and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
