British Waterways workboats to go under the hammer

The new workboats will allow BW to carry out network maintenance more efficiently and with fewer craft, as well as improving welfare conditions for bank staff.

So far the phased fleet-replacement programme has seen over 100 ex-BW workboats sold, raising much needed income for reinvestment in the maintenance of the waterways.

The next batch of workboats will go under the virtual hammer on Thursday 12 June 2008. Although the exact lots are currently being finalised and catalogued, up to a further 100 craft are likely to be offered for sale in an online auction.

There will be a minimum of two viewing days around the end of May and early June. Details of the online auction together with the lots available, their locations and viewing dates will be available on the Go Industry website.

With the help of canal interest groups, earlier phases of the fleet replacement programme identified a number of ex-British Waterways workboats that have heritage value. These boats have been set aside and are being offered to waterway-related organisations who share BW’s aim of using them for the future promotion of the waterways.

At this stage, likely organisations include canal trusts and waterways charities, but not private individuals or commercial organisations. So far just five of the heritage boats have been allocated to worthy organisations. Three boats are in the process of being allocated and a further 46 still remain on BW’s books.

Organisations wishing to express an interest in the heritage craft, or who would like further details on the heritage boats available, should contact Veronica Belfitt in Leeds on 0113 2005799, or email veronica.belfitt@britishwaterways.co.uk. Photos of the various heritage boats on offer are available on request.