Dutch pilotage operator takes delivery of fifth boat in series

Dutch builder Next Generation Shipyards has delivered an aluminium, high-speed pilot tender to the Dutch Pilot Association (Nederlands Loodswezen).

Like its 2020-built sister Mira, Maud will be used for pilotage tasks in the harbours and coastal waters of the Netherlands, transporting Dutch pilots to larger ships at sea to bring them safely and on schedule to their destinations in Dutch harbours.

The 23-metre boat is equipped with an all-around safety rail system to guide pilots and crew safely to the boarding positions on the deck. Decks and railings are heated for the best grip and use in low temperatures. Toward the stern of the boat there is a hydraulic operated MOB cradle to retrieve people out of the water in emergency situations.

The spacious wheelhouse is placed on rubber dampers and can easily be removed for maintenance and engine changes. It features three air suspension seats for the pilots and 12 luxury passenger seats. The noise level is extremely low due to sound damping construction, the use of sound absorbing materials, and the resiliently mounted wheelhouse.

Two MAN engines drive Hamilton waterjets via ZF gearboxes to propel Maud to a top speed of 38 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.