Felicity-class water tractor facts for kids
A196 Gwendoline laid up in Portsmouth Harbour
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Quick facts for kids Class overview |
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| Builders: |
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| Operators: |
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| Built: | 1973–1980 |
| In service: | 1973–present |
| Completed: | 8 |
| Active: | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 89 GRT |
| Length | 22 m (72 ft 2 in) |
| Beam | 6.4 m (21 ft 0 in) |
| Draught | 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) |
| Speed | 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph) |
| Complement | 4 |
The Felicity class is a group of special boats known as tug boats. These powerful boats help larger ships move around in harbors. They are currently operated by Serco Marine Services. These tug boats support the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. Before 2008, these vessels were operated by the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service, which was a government service.
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What are Tug Boats?
Tug boats are small but very strong boats. They are used to push, pull, or guide other ships. This is especially helpful for big ships like warships or cargo vessels. These larger ships often need help moving in tight spaces like ports. Tug boats can also help move ships that have lost power.
History of the Felicity Class
The Felicity class tug boats were built between 1973 and 1980. They were first used by the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS). The RMAS was a part of the UK government. It provided support services to the Royal Navy. In March 2008, the RMAS was no longer active. Its duties were taken over by private companies.
Serco Marine Services
After the RMAS was disbanded, Serco Marine Services took over the operation of many of these tug boats. Serco Marine Services is a company that provides marine support. They continue to help the Royal Navy with their operations. This includes moving ships and other important tasks in naval bases.
Boats in the Felicity Class
There were eight boats built in the Felicity class. Each boat has a unique name and a special number. Some of these boats are still in service today. Others have been sold to different companies.
| Name | Pendant Number | In Commission |
Builder | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felicity | A112 | 1969–1997 | Dunston | Sold to another company and renamed Wyepress, then Susan. |
| Frances | A147 | 1980–2008 | Dunston | Now operated by Serco. |
| Florence | A149 | 1980–2008 | Dunston | Now operated by Serco. |
| Fiona | A148 | 1973–2007 | Hancocks | Sold to another company. |
| Genevieve | A150 | 1980–2008 | Hancocks | Now operated by Serco. |
| Georgina | A152 | 1973–1996 | Hancocks | Now operated by Serco. |
| Gwendoline | A196 | 1973–1996 | Hancocks | Now operated by Serco, renamed Gwendoline P. |
| Helen | A198 | 1974–2008 | Hancocks | Now operated by Serco. |
See also
- List of ships of Serco Marine Services
