ABP Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest ports, a constant hub of ferry traffic, commercial shipping, cruise liners, and local maritime activity. It’s a place where response time, visibility, and resilience aren’t luxuries—they’re essential. That’s where the Gemini WR780 SWIFT comes in.
Purpose-built for harbour master duties and patrol tasks, SWIFT is a no-nonsense, high-performance RIB that gets the job done. She was designed in close collaboration with ABP to meet the challenges of their day-to-day operations: navigating narrow docks, responding to incidents quickly, operating in all weather, and safely accessing the far corners of their jurisdiction.
Specifications
Length Overall
7.80m
Internal Length
4.80m
Beam Overall
2.95m
Internal Width
1.77m
Dead Rise
22°
Tube Diameter
550mm
# of Air Chambers
7
Boat Weight Only
950kg
Max Load
2063kg
Max People
14
Max Fuel Capacity
520L
Max HP
400hp
Southampton Port & ABP
Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically important ports. Operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), it serves as Britain’s number one hub for deep sea trade and plays a vital role in connecting the country to global markets. From vehicle exports to cruise terminals, container traffic to cargo logistics—it all flows through this gateway on the south coast.
Handling around 900,000 vehicles annually and welcoming two million cruise passengers, the port operates at a scale that demands precision, speed, and 24/7 coordination. It contributes £2.5 billion to the UK economy every year and supports over 45,000 jobs across the supply chain. The Port of Southampton is also home to the UK’s second-largest container terminal and leads the way with shore power and sustainable infrastructure investment.
To help keep everything running smoothly, ABP Southampton operates a diverse fleet of specialist vessels. From pilot boats like the Majestic and Mary Rose, to multi-purpose workboats such as the Meercat M15, each plays a part in the day-to-day operation of one of the UK’s most vital ports. The Gemini 780 Spitfire joins this line-up as a key Harbour Patrol craft—supporting escort duties, port security, and shallow-water access across the jurisdiction. Reliable, fast, and built for the job, Spitfire is a practical example of how well-matched equipment keeps this world-class port moving.
Built for Versatility and Control
At 7.8 metres, the WR780 sits comfortably in the sweet spot between compact handling and wide-open working space. Powered by a Yamaha 300hp outboard with an auxiliary engine for backup, SWIFT delivers dependable acceleration, cruising efficiency, and the peace of mind that comes with dual-engine redundancy.
The deep-V hull design ensures excellent seakeeping in rough conditions, but also a shallow enough draft for accessing tight or low-tide areas. Whether it’s conducting checks on moored vessels or responding to emergencies within the port, this boat moves smoothly and confidently through the chaos.
Helm, Comfort and Crew Functionality
The oversized helm console and extended windscreen offer the visibility and wind protection needed for long hours on the water. It’s topped off with a durable composite T-top for shelter in poor weather or direct sun. Everything about the layout has been considered for practicality: quick access to systems, wide gangways, and grab points right where you need them.
From the ergonomic helm controls to the dedicated storage for comms and safety gear, SWIFT supports the crew instead of getting in their way.
Ready for Anything
What really makes SWIFT stand out is how she balances readiness for both routine and emergency operations. A loud hailer and sirens support enforcement duties; the integrated man-overboard / body recovery system is always within reach. When it’s time to dock, the custom Versadock setup allows for fast, secure mooring—no stress, no scramble.
Add to that the CAT4 (3R) coding from Berthon, and this WR780 is fully certified, operationally sound, and ready for deployment at any hour.
Why Gemini for Port Authority Use?
Gemini’s WR series RIBs have earned a global reputation for reliability in commercial, military, and search & rescue settings. The WR780, in particular, hits a sweet spot for port operations: manageable length, long-range capability, and flexibility in deck layout. For agencies like ABP who need a platform that can do everything from inspections to incident response—and do it every single day—it just works.
From fast launches to tight manoeuvring between shipping lanes, Gemini’s commercial-grade hulls and smart onboard features make them a solid investment.
Key Features
Key Features
- Yamaha 300hp outboard engine with auxiliary backup
- Custom long-range fuel tank for extended operations
- Large helm console with extended windscreen and composite T-top
- Loud hailer, sirens, and comms for patrol operations
- Man-overboard recovery system
- Custom Versadock drive-on docking platform
- Coded to CAT4 (3R) by Berthon
- Commercial-grade construction built for daily use
Get Onboard
Looking for a patrol or harbour master vessel that won’t slow you down? The Gemini 780 SWIFT proves you don’t need to compromise.
Contact us to discuss how we can build a RIB that works for your team, your job, and your environment.
James Myatt
Gemini RIBs UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 (0) 1590 647436
Email: Ribs@berthon.co.uk
