Sea trials to begin for new Irish pilot boat

Irish boatbuilder Safehaven Marine will soon commence sea trials of a new harbour launch ordered by compatriot operator Cork Pilots.

The newbuild has been named Solas after the Irish word for “Light.” It will replace Cork Pilots’ first launch, Glean Mor, which has been in service for 19 years.

The open deck layout has the handrails placed further inboard as opposed to along the perimeter. This permits safe passage along the deck as well as transfers at multiple points.

The boat has a central helm station and shock-mitigating seats for the coxswain and the pilots/passengers. The helm station features an ergonomic layout and electronics that include an ICOM radio and a radar and displays from Garmin.

Upward-facing windows meanwhile provide the coxswain with enhanced situational awareness for alongside manoeuvres before and during transfers.

Solas is the third pilot boat built by Safehaven for operations out of the Port of Cork.