Spanish shipbuilder Aister has begun conducting sea trials of two new pilot boats in a series ordered by the National Port Authority of Honduras (Empresa Nacional Portuaria; ENP).
Following delivery, San Lorenzo and Merendón will operate in Puerto Henecán and Puerto Cortés, respectively, flying the Honduran flag upon completing the final trial phase in the Ría de Vigo.
Both vessels measure approximately 12 metres in LOA with a beam of four metres. Each is built on a deep-V monohull engineered from high-strength marine-grade aluminium.
Aister said this design ensures exceptional seaworthiness, superior manoeuvrability, and a robust structural response during intensive boarding and pilot transfer operations.
During the sea trials, Aister’s technical team will evaluate hydrodynamic response, manoeuvring agility, and the performance of the twin propulsion system (comprising two diesel engines).
The configuration will enable each pilot boat to achieve sustained speeds in excess of 26 knots, balancing fuel efficiency and operational power, according to the builder.
Comprehensive testing will also be carried out regarding the ENP pilot boats' acoustic comfort levels, wheelhouse ergonomics, and the effectiveness of integrated navigation, lifesaving, and firefighting systems, adhering strictly to international merchant navy standards and regulations.
"The craft have been designed to provide maximum safety and agility to Honduran pilots in their daily duties of vessel handling and assistance to international shipping traffic," said Francisco Pita, Technical Director at Aister.
