Energy Wholesale gifts boat to charitable trust
Energy Wholesale gifts boat to charitable trust
The Amazon Ferry Project, run by the “Vine Trust”, offers hope and health to the people of the River Amazon and its tributaries. To assist the Trust with its various projects, Energy Wholesale has gifted its boat, “Inverkip 1”, which has been mothballed since the closure of Inverkip Power Station in the 1980s. A much smaller boat was also donated to the Trust which will be used as a service boat ferrying people back and forward from a new hospital which is being built in the area.
The Trust will take the boat to Peru where it will to deliver valuable medical supplies to some of the poorest people in South America. The boat will also provide access to hospital and dentistry ships berthed on the main estuary.
Vine Trust’s Executive Director, Rev Willie McPherson was absolutely bowled over when the offer of the boat was first made. It coincided almost to the day with a request from Peru for a shallow draft vessel to reach communities during the drier season.
“Inverkip 1 could not be better suited, she is in excellent condition, barely used and will see many years of service on the Amazon and its tributaries delivering health and hope to dozens of communities. He said “We are immensely grateful for such a practical and valuable gift to our ongoing work.”
Doozan and SES, ScottishPower’s onsite engineering contractors supplied a team of riggers to load Inverkip 1 onto an HGV and transported to Bristol. The HGV was also supplied free by another contractor who transports our coal supplies to Longannet.
After a full overhaul and service Inverkip 1 will be transported to Peru free of charge by a major international shipping company before being hauled over the Andes by lorry to the River port of Pucalapa, around 200 miles from her final destination.
When Inverkip Power Station was operational this 30foot vessel was utilised for diving support and other operations.
Energy Wholesale Director, John Campbell said, “I am delighted that we are able to support the Trust in this way and I hold in high regard the work done by the Trust. I look forward to hearing more about the progress of this worthwhile project and the benefits it provides to those in need”.
To follow Inverkip 1’s journey, see www.vinetrust.org.
