AWARDS 2023 | Best Medium Pilot Boat – Shipeku – Baltic Workboats

Best Medium Pilot Boat – Shipeku – Baltic Workboats

Estonia’s Baltic Workboats is constantly increasing the depth and breadth of its market. This fine, fast wave-piercing aluminium pilot boat will operate in the Gulf of St Lawrence from Montreal in Canada.

The self-righting vessel is ice-capable as is appropriate for a boat that will work in Eastern Canada. It is yet another example of the very high quality construction and fit-out work of this deservedly highly regarded builder and designer.

“This is the second 17-metre, wave-piercing boat that we have delivered and our first ever delivery to Canada, so we hope that opens new possibilities for us in that market,” Rimo Timm, Head of Sales at Baltic Workboats, told Baird Maritime.

“It also has some significant upgrades compared to its predecessor. An IMO Tier III-certified propulsion system from Volvo Penta ensures significantly reduced emissions while a special seawater cooling system utilises waste heat from exhaust lines to heat the engine cooling system intake water and melt any possible slush coming in from the cooling intake grid, thus guaranteeing efficient operation in up to 10 cm of fixed ice or in 15 cm of crushed ice.”

The boat also features Baltic Workboats’ in-house-developed integrated automation, monitoring and control system (IAMCS) to allow operation by a reduced crew of no more than people.

Timm added that Baltic Workboats had to plan the production schedule in high detail. The customer had to travel over long distances throughout the construction, and so visits had to be planned carefully.

“We also received confirmation that our designed exhaust waste heat system works effectively in icy conditions. The customer’s feedback on the vessel has been very positive and they are really satisfied with the performance and seakeeping and handling characteristics.”

Timm said the first half of 2023 was a rather quiet period, but it was somewhat offset by the second half of the year due to the awarding of various newbuilding contracts to keep Baltic Workboats busy in the near future.

“There are also new projects on the horizon within the first half of 2024, so it is fair to say that for us, the next couple of years are looking very productive. However, we look forward to projects notable for their complexity and not just quantity. Particularly, we are developing completely new concepts for the workboat, naval, and search and rescue sectors.”

Timm said that as the Baltic workboat industry keeps changing, a shipyard can keep pace if it has a wide range of products.

“Due to changing security situations, there may be greater demand for patrol craft and naval vessels compared to demand for ferries and other general workboats,” he told Baird Maritime. “However, we also see a growing interest in autonomous solutions, technologies that contribute to energy efficiency, and features that promote safe and ergonomic working conditions for crews.”

For a list of the 2023 “Best Of” award winners, please click here.