Work Boat World Pilot Boat Orders and Deliveries Roundup – June 23, 2022

New pilot boats have entered service with two operators based in the UK port of Southampton. Meanwhile, newbuilding orders have been placed by customers in Canada and the US state of Alabama.

UK’s Williams Shipping welcomes newbuild to pilotage fleet

Safehaven Marine of Ireland recently delivered a new pilot boat to Williams Shipping based in Southampton, UK.

Willfreedom is powered by two Scania DI13 engines that deliver an operational speed of 25 knots. A maximum of 12 passengers can be accommodated in addition to the crew of two.

The vessel also has a 27,000btu AC unit, Raymarine navigation equipment, a PU bonded fendering system, Grammer shock-mitigating seats, and an MOB recovery platform.

Port of Southampton names new pilot boat

Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Southampton has officially named Mayflower, its newest pilot launch.

Built by Goodchild Marine Services of Norfolk, the boat features a “beak” bow and double-chine hull design for smoother sailings through waves.

The boat is one of nine new pilot launches being supplied to ABP’s various ports under a £9 million (US$11 million) investment.

Estonian builder secures Canadian order

Estonian builder Baltic Workboats has been awarded a contract to supply a new pilot boat to the Laurentian Pilotage Authority based in Montreal, Canada.

The 17-metre boat will have a wave-piercing, ice-capable hull and a maximum speed in excess of 25 knots. An IMO Tier III exhaust system will help reduce NOx emissions.

Delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2023.

Alabama’s Mobile Bar Pilots taps Massachusetts builder for new boat

Alabama’s Mobile Bar Pilots has awarded Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding of Somerset, Massachusetts, a contract for a new 53-foot (16-metre) pilot boat.

The Ray Hunt-designed all-aluminium vessel will be powered by two Caterpillar C18 diesels that deliver a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. The transom will have a secondary set of steering controls and an MOB recovery system.

The boat is scheduled for delivery in the middle of 2023.