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Custom-built Eurocargo artic plots course for Europe

Plymouth-based South West Boat Transport has taken delivery of a custom-built Iveco Eurocargo 230E25T/P artic featuring an impressively high specification.  It has been purpose-designed for transporting boats up to 39ft long and weighing as much as 15 tonnes across the UK and throughout mainland Europe.

This delivery marks the first Eurocargo artic to be used for long-distance transport, with the vehicle expected to operate to destinations as far afield as Scandinavia and Greece.

The Eurocargo artic was converted by North East Truck & Van’s (NETV) Billingham-based engineering division – a long-established Iveco Special Vehicle Operations centre.  NETV pioneered the Eurocargo artic in conjunction with Iveco in 2003; a model which has since proven popular with breweries using ultra-low deck trailers for urban deliveries.

This particular example features a high roof sleeper cab with twin bunks, air-conditioning, night heater, electric roof hatch, sun visor, remote central locking, heated / electrically adjustable mirrors and air-suspended / heated driver and passenger seats.  It also includes rear work lights and an LED roof bar, plus a differential lock to ensure maximum traction in difficult road conditions or when negotiating slipways.

Michael Whelan, owner of South West Boat Transport, says: “Boat transportation is a specialist business and a lot of planning went into getting the specification right.  We considered a number of different vehicles for the role, but the Eurocargo ticked all of the boxes and its chassis offers the best flexibility for tractor unit conversion.

“Aftersales back-up was also critical to our decision,” he adds.  “The strength of Iveco’s European network means wherever we deliver, there will always be local service points available.”

The Eurocargo replaces an Iveco Daily City artic which had previously been converted by NETV and used by the customer throughout Europe.

“Trading up to the Eurocargo will deliver multiple benefits,” adds Whelan.  “It affords us the ability to transport larger boats, whilst still retaining a highly manoeuvrable vehicle which can access out-of-the-way locations and marinas with narrow access.

“The high roof sleeper cab will also mean significantly greater comfort.  This is particularly important as it’s not uncommon for our drivers to spend up to two weeks away at a time,” he explains.

The Eurocargo will operate with a bespoke boat trailer manufactured by Wheelbase Engineering and is expected to cover up to 50,000 miles a year.

Power is provided by a 5.9 litre tector engine which is capable of producing 251 hp at 2,700 rev/min and up to 850 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,100 rev/min.  This engine meets the strict Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle (EEV) emissions level, enabling the customer to operate a tractor unit which is far cleaner than the minimum legal standard.

South West Boat Transport offers significant experience in boat haulage to and from virtually every European country.  It handles all the relevant paperwork, permissions and provides escort cars (where required for wide load boat transport).  Its customer-base includes private individuals who have just bought a boat that needs transporting or simply want to move their boat to a new location.  The company also serves many trade customers including boat builders, marinas and yacht brokers.  For further information: www.boat-transportation.co.uk
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