Precision tow through Exeter Ship Canal delivers new landing craft to Dartmouth for Damen Shipyards
The Challenge
Marine Plant Hire was appointed to tow a newly built landing craft from Exeter to Dartmouth via the Exeter Ship Canal for Damen Shipyards. The operation required careful handling from the outset, with the vessel constructed to the maximum dimensions of the canal’s lock system. This left virtually no tolerance for deviation and placed full emphasis on precision, planning and control throughout the journey.
The tow presented a series of constraints that made the operation technically demanding. The Exeter Ship Canal includes narrow lock chambers, swing and lift bridges, and sections with restricted water depth, all of which limited manoeuvrability.
The landing craft itself added further complexity. Built to the maximum allowable size for the canal, it passed through some sections with minimal clearance on either side. In lock chambers, there was little room to adjust positioning once committed.
This environment required continuous accuracy, clear communication between crew, and the ability to respond immediately to changing conditions. Even minor misalignment could have resulted in contact with the lock walls or delays to the programme.
The Approach
Marine Plant Hire deployed coastal tug Boojum Bay, selected for its suitability in confined, low-speed operations. With a 5-tonne bollard pull, single-screw propulsion and a Kort nozzle, the vessel provided the control needed to manage tight manoeuvres safely.
The operation was underpinned by detailed planning and a disciplined execution strategy. The skipper used Boojum Bay’s manoeuvrability to maintain precise positioning, particularly during lock approaches where alignment was critical.
Crew members played a key role throughout, providing clear, consistent guidance on distances and vessel alignment. This allowed for real-time adjustments and ensured the tow remained controlled through each constrained section.
A steady, step-by-step approach was maintained across the full route, prioritising accuracy over speed and ensuring risks were managed at every stage.
The Outcome
The landing craft was delivered safely to Dartmouth for Damen Shipyards, meeting programme requirements and maintaining full asset integrity throughout the journey.
The project demonstrates Marine Plant Hire’s capability in executing complex inland marine logistics under tight physical constraints. It also highlights the value of combining specialist equipment with experienced crews and disciplined delivery methods.
The operation may represent one of the final vessels to transit from Exeter via this route, adding a layer of historical significance to a technically precise and well-executed tow.