The latest addition to the Canadian Coast Guard's hovercraft fleet is currently undergoing sea trials off the Isle of Wight, UK. The 75-tonne 'Mamilossa' was built at St Helens by Hovercraft Limited, UK.
To be based in the St Lawrence Estuary, 'Mamilossa' will be utilised for the deployment of buoys and ice breaking duties. She is fitted with a large Palfinger 650002 marine hydraulic knuckle boom crane with a reach exceeding twelve metres for lifting buoys up to 5.6 tonnes.
The vessel has a length of 28.5 metres and a beam of twelve metres. 'Mamilossa' can achieve a top speed of 45 knots or 40 knots when fully loaded. Engines are four Caterpillar C32 twelve-cylinder diesels each producing 840kW. Engines are electronically controlled and meet Tier 2 emission standards.
The name 'Mamilossa' derives from the Abenakis Indian language meaning, "he who goes from water to the land".
