Kvichak Marine Industries in Seattle, USA, and Camarc Design in the UK have teamed up in close cooperation with the owner to design and build three 22-metre all weather fast pilot vessels.
The boats will be operated by the Dutch Pilotage Organisation (DPO) for operation in ports along the coast of Holland.
With a 22.8-metre overall length on a beam of 5.8 metres, the all-aluminium vessels are powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines, coupled to ZF 3050 marine gears. Hamilton 651 water jets have been chosen as propulsors. This combination of equipment provides a top speed of around 29 knots fully loaded and a high level of manoeuvrability.
To meet the emissions requirements set by the authorities of the Port of Rotterdam, each DPO vessel will be equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction system and a diesel particulate filter. The emission performance will have a reduction of 98 percent of particulate matter and a 60 percent reduction in NOx and SOx, fulfilling all new IMO and EU guidelines.
The vessels are scheduled for completion in January, February and April, 2010.