Kvichak Marine Industries, USA, is currently constructing a 22.8-metre by 6.4-metre fast pilot boat for operation by the Houston Pilots on the Houston Ship Channel.
The 'Yellow Rose' will increase Houston's pilot boat fleet to five vessels and is scheduled for delivery in March 2010.
Designed by Camarc Design, UK, the all-aluminium vessel is powered by twin Cummins QSK-38 engines rated for 1,043kW each, which are coupled to ZF 4600 transmissions driving twin Hamilton 651 waterjets. This combination allows for a top speed of about 29 knots when fully loaded.
"The Yellow Rose will operate in varied sea and weather conditions, often in heavy shipping traffic," said Houston pilot, Captain Bobby Kirk.