Build & Commission of North Eastern Guardian IV
Work on the build and commission of our new patrol vessel commenced on the 11th February 2024, ten years in the planning, this is the fourth generation of inshore fisheries patrol vessel, with a heritage going back to 1890 when the then Sea Fisheries Committee was established.
North Eastern Guardian IV (NEG IV) has replaced the Authority's previous vessel, North Eastern Guardian III (NEG III), which first entered service in 2007, with a maximum projected lifespan of 15 years. The new build marks a major milestone for the Authority and will boast a number of firsts, combining to make it faster, more environmentally-friendly and capable of providing the kind of detailed data on the area’s marine life which has not been possible up to now.
Standout features of the boat include:
An aluminium hull, making it more fuel-efficient and capable of carrying heavier cargo loads, than the existing vessel, the North Eastern Guardian III (NEG III)
With a top speed of 20+ knots, the new build will be much more effective and efficient than NEG III and its IMO tier 3-compliant engine will generate 87 per cent less nitrous oxide emissions
The new addition will be able to carry up to 27 tonnes of cargo, including analytical equipment, rigid inflatable craft for high-speed patrols, and confiscated stock and equipment where necessary
Mission changeover equipment will allow the crew to switch seamlessly between patrol and survey modes, for maximum capability.
North Eastern Guardian IV was officially named at a ceremony on the 21st June 2025, built and commissioned by Parkol Marine Engineering in Whitby at the very location where the naming ceremony took place. The vessel will become a blueprint for fellow inshore fisheries and conservation authorities around the UK, which are facing similar challenges in conserving the nation’s marine environments and maintaining supplies of fish and shellfish.
The vessel has been developed in partnership UK naval architects Chartwell Marine and Parkol Marine Engineering.
“This vessel is built off our trusted Chartwell Ambitious Offshore Wind Crew Transfer Boat platform, a proven hull form, operational internationally in the UK, Europe and USA. Chartwell are very proud to be working with NEIFCA and Parkol on this project following a strong history working with a number of UK IFCAs to deliver the right boat for the job. We’re delighted to be part of such an innovative project, which we’re sure will yield incredible results for NEIFCA”
Andy Page, Designer for Chartwell Marine
“We’re absolutely delighted to have been granted this opportunity, which represents a number of firsts for Parkol Marine – it is the first catamaran, first Government tender that the company has won and is the first workboat of this type. It is also the first time we have worked with Chartwell Marine and their innovative style of ship design. The contract provides us with an opportunity to nurture homegrown skills with our existing aluminium welders/fabricators, and also to recruit dedicated aluminium specialists and an apprentice utilising our established apprenticeship programme.
Sally Atkinson, Parkol Marine’s Commercial Director
Further information and images of the build can be found on our Facebook page and by visitng Parkol Marine's website;
Naming Ceremony 21st June 2025 hosted by NEIFCA's Chairman, Professor Michael Elliott
The boat blessing was led by the Right Reverend Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby - 21st June 2025
