Business South August 2020

| 11 Volume 29 | Issue 4 businesssouth Whanganui – New Zealand sales@q-west.co.nz +64 6 349 0035 New vessel due in October Whale Watch tour visitors have been delighted to see many sperm whales whose feeding grounds are off the coast of Kaikoura, as well as humpback whales that migrate through our coastal waters in the winter months. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT » Whale Watch Kaikoura Whanganui-based boat builders Q-West is well underway with completing an exciting new vessel for long-time client Whale Watch Kaikoura. “We are back on track after the lockdown and looking forward to an October delivery date,” says Q-West Boat Builders’ Chief Executive Colin Mitchell. “This new vessel will be a step change and a new generation boat for them.” The new 25-metre quad engine catamaran, designed by Teknicraft Design, will have more than twice the passenger capacity of Whale Watch Kaikoura’s existing vessels, with space for 116 passengers on board. At its widest point, it will measure just over 9m and will have a fuel capacity of 4000 litres. The vessel will be equipped with four Scania marine diesel engines and with propulsion supplied by four Hamilton Waterjets. Q-West is one of New Zealand’s leading aluminum boat builders, producing world class results. The team has built passenger craft for Whale Watch Kaikoura since 1999, in line with that company’s boat replacement programme. Q-West also maintains and repairs the fleet to ensure optimal operation. This latest vessel represents another advance in terms of passenger experience, built with improved ventilation systems and state of the art ride control for stability and comfort. Internal seating has been arranged for easy cleaning and the vessel is also being engineered to keep maintenance to a minimum. Q-West Boat Builders worked closely with Whale Watch Kaikoura on decisions around dimensions, performance parameters and key features. “We have a close and collaborative relationship.” Throughout the build, Q-West has been holding regular meetings with Whale Watch Kaikoura and providing fortnightly progress reports. Whale Watch representatives have also been making site visits to Q-West’s boat building facilities on the banks of the Whanganui River. “Once it is finished, they will come up and do trials with it to make sure everything is working well.” Colin, a qualified Shipwright with more than 29 years in the marine industry, leads a skilled and qualified team that set high standards on every contract. Passion, design and technology is combined with the high quality manufacturing and project management systems to deliver outcomes that exceed expectations and are performance-driven. Professional project control ensure projects are delivered on time and to budget, with Q-West recognised as one of the most consistent boat builders in New Zealand. Facilities at Q-West are purpose built for the construction and maintenance of vessels. The Q-West team has plenty of work on the books for the next 12 months, both new vessels and refits/modifications.