Abels Shipbuilders 135ft Barge Energie

Boat Description

Energie was purchased and fitted out by the Ables Family to convert into a family home. A Bristol institution for more than 35 years, the boat was fitted out by the shipyard, ensuring that everything was built to the highest standards. The accommodation was expanded with the family, resulting in some amazing segregated spaces, including a double height ceilinged living room.

Energie is currently configured with multiple living spaces inside, allowing the spaces to be connected or shut off for multiple occupation.

Energie has not been moved a great distance for some time; as a result, the engine has not been serviced or seen sunning in some time. The vessel also has a secondary 100hp engine to power the bow thruster. This thruster operates similarly to a jet drive, enabling propulsion using this engine to and from survey points.

Last blacking and survey in 2024.

Taking over the mooring will be through successful application with Bristol Harbour Authority.

About the Shipbuilder

Abels Shipbuilders Ltd was a ship and boat builder in Bristol, England. In addition to boat building, the company branched out into architectural sculptures, tidal energy, and marine restoration, but closed in 2016.

Founded in 1980 by David Abels, the company took over part of the Albion Dockyard formerly occupied by Charles Hill & Sons, who went out of business in 1977. The site includes the large covered dry dock originally built by Hilhouse in 1820, with a capacity of 350 tonnes.

The company built a wide variety of vessels up to 250gt and 25 m (82 ft) in length in steel and aluminium, typically tugs, passenger and roll-on/roll-off ferries, survey vessels, launches, and work boats. Around 80% of orders were for UK customers, although the company also delivered aluminium patrol and ambulance boats to Nigeria. The company also built Pero's Bridge (the horned foot bridge), which opened in 1999. Later work included a 180gt, 250-passenger catamaran for Clyde Marine and the rebuild of the Medway Queen for the Medway Queen Preservation Society.

Vessels Built by Abels Shipbuilders

• Maria McLoughlin (1981). 500 hp (370 kW) steel tug.
• Sarah McLoughlin (1981). 500 hp (370 kW) steel tug.
• Island Princess (1985). 50 ft (15 m) 60 seat passenger ferry.
• MV Eynhallow (1987). 104gt Ro-Ro vehicle and passenger ferry.
• Surta (1988). 42 ft (13 m) steam passenger vessel.
• Vigilance (1989). 42gt environmental survey vessel.
• Maid of the Forth (1989). 70gt 225-seat passenger ferry.
• Maid of the Islands (1989). 130-seat passenger ferry.
• Sea Vigil (1991). 55gt survey vessel.
• Avon Monarch (1991). 75-seat passenger vessel.
• Maid of the Lakeland’s (1991). 130-seat passenger ferry.
• Coastal Guardian (1992). 74gt survey vessel.
• Water Guardian (1992). 51gt survey vessel.
• Sir William Pulteney (1993). 85-seat passenger ferry.
• Impulse (1994). 52gt steel pusher tug.
• Georgina (1995). 80.1 ft (24.4 m) motor boat.
• The Georgian (1995). 93.5 ft (28.5 m) motor boat.
• Lenie (1997). 121gt multi-purpose tug.
• PAD.42 to PAD.. 7.62 m (25.0 ft), 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph) aluminium-hulled Nigerian police launches.
• Maid of Poole (1999). 195-seat passenger ferry.
• Spirit of Gosport (2001). 300gt passenger ferry.
• Beauchamp (2001). 80 ft (24 m) floating classroom vessel.
• Spirit of Portsmouth (2002). 300gt passenger ferry (unfinished), renamed Forth Hope (finished), (2017). 320 gt medical ferry.
• Faoilean (2002). 58gt fish farming vessel.
• Corrine Marin (2004). Floating café and restaurant for Arbi'n'Tap. Due to a contractual dispute, Dave Abel ceased trading after going into receivership following the build of this ship.
• Leanne McLoughlin (2005). Line running vessel.
• Noleen McLoughlin (2005). Line running vessel.
• Clay Barge No. 39.5 ft (12.0 m) motor barge.
• Clyde Clipper (2009). 125gt catamaran ferry.
• Seagreen (2010). 304 gt work vessel for the French transport & utility company Veolia.
• Medway Queen (2010). Rebuild of the 180 ft (55 m) iron paddle steamer.
• West Country Schooner (2011). 60 t topsail schooner.