The Authority has operated from its current premises at 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth since September 2013. In 2024, a new 10-year lease with a 5-year break clause was agreed with the landlord, FES Ltd, with an anticipated rent increase from £27,500 to £30,000 from August 2025. The site includes office and meeting spaces, a large garage for storing the 5.3m trailered RIB, Zodiac, and other survey equipment, as well as a secure car park and additional 3 shipping containers for additional storage. NIFCA OFFICE
VESSELS & VEHICLES
NIFCA operates three vessels. The main patrol and research vessel, St Aidan, is a 16m GRP catamaran based at Royal Quays Marina, North Shields. Built in 2015 and funded from Authority reserves, it provides offshore enforcement, monitoring, and survey capability across the district. The vessel underwent deck modifications in 2025, and both main engines are being reconditioned in March 2026 following performance issues, at an anticipated cost of £31K. This work is expected to extend its operational life to at least 2035. St Aidan is supported by a 5.3m RIB, TT St Aidan, which can also operate independently. The Authority also operates the Robert Arckless MBE, a 9m cabin RIB brought into service in 2019 and based at Amble Marina. Part-funded through an EMFF grant, it is used primarily for monitoring and compliance patrols, with occasional survey work. It is anticipated that around £50K from the Renewals Fund (see Financial) will be required in 2026–27 for maintenance and modifications to meet the new MCA workboat code. A smaller 3.4m Zodiac inflatable, acquired in 2013, supports estuarine survey activity. To support shore-based operations, the Authority maintains a fleet of vehicles. This includes two leased pool vehicles (a Ford Ranger 4x4 and a Ford Connect minivan) acquired in 2020 through service level agreements with Northumberland County Council, and expected to remain in service until at least summer 2027. In March 2024, a Citroën Berlingo minivan was also purchased to supplement the fleet. These vehicles support shore patrols, survey work, and operational duties across the district.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR VESSELS
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