Landing raft
| Mexeflote |
|---|
 A Mexeflote raft |
| Type | Landing raft |
|---|
| Place of origin |  United Kingdom |
|---|
|
| Length | Standard: 20.12 m (66.0 ft)
Maxi: 38.41 m (126.0 ft) |
|---|
| Width | Standard: 7.42 m (24.3 ft)
Maxi 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
|---|
| Crew | 6 |
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|
| Engine | 2 x Hydromaster 6cyl diesel at 75 hp each or 2x Thrustmaster OD150N Propulsion Units
150 hp combined |
|---|
| Payload capacity | Standard: 60,000 kg (130,000 lb)
Larger: 120,000 kg (260,000 lb)
Largest: 180,000 kg (400,000 lb) |
|---|
The Mexeflote is a landing raft used by the United Kingdom's Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Australian Navy to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore. It was first used by British military in the 1960s. It was used during the Falklands conflict, and has been used in humanitarian aid missions. The system is very similar to the Rhino ferry.
History
The Mexeflote was introduced to the UK military in the 1960s,[1] and it subsequently saw service in the Falklands War, in which three units were used,[2] including in Southampton, where they were used in loading the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Navy ships going to the Falklands.[3] Mexeflotes were used as causeways between ships in the open ocean, stores were driven between ships over a mexeflote causeway with Fiat Allis forklifts.[4] Sgt Boultby of 17 Port Regiment, RCT was awarded the Military Medal for using his Mexeflote to rescue survivors at Bluff Cove.[5]
In 1994, the Army ordered an additional 50 units, and in 2000 they upgraded 60 of the rafts.[1] The Mexeflote was used during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, to transport supplies to the remote Haitian village of Anse-à-Veau from RFA Largs Bay.[6]
Currently the rafts are crewed by the Royal Logistic Corps and they are largely used by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Bay class landing ships.[2] As part of the Royal Australian Navy's acquisition of the Bay class ship RFA Largs Bay (renamed HMAS Choules for Australian service), two Mexeflotes were also acquired.[7]
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A Mexeflote suspended from the starboard flank of
HMAS Choules
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RFA Lyme Bay (L3007) with a Mexeflote on its port side
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Mexeflote transporting disaster relief teams ashore from RFA Lyme Bay
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Royal Logistics Corps Mexflote arrives in Anguilla
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Mexifloat unloading on the beach at Grand Tuck with heavy plant for use in the rebuild after the hurricane
Design
Mexeflote is a powered raft (two diesel engines), used to move goods and vehicles between ship and shore when a pier is not available.[8] The Mexeflote is designed in three sizes;
| Type |
Length |
Width |
Capacity |
Ref
|
| Standard size |
20.12 m (66.0 ft) |
7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
60,000 kg (130,000 lb) |
[9]
|
| Larger versions (Maxi-Mexeflote)[1]
|
38.41 m (126.0 ft) |
7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
120,000 kg (260,000 lb) |
[9]
|
| 38.41 m (126.0 ft) |
12.2 m (40 ft) |
180,000 kg (400,000 lb) |
[9]
|
Each version has three components; bow, stern, and centre, which can be fitted together as required, making the Mexeflote a versatile craft.[8][10] The different sections allow it to be used as a raft, a floating pontoon, or as a causeway from ship to shore.[1]
Mexeflote was the basis for the design of the Modular Elevated Causeway.[11]
