Galveston Pilots orders new launch from Massachusetts builder

Galveston Texas City Pilots has placed an order for a new aluminium pilot boat to be built by Massachusetts-based Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding.

The Ray Hunt-designed vessel will have an LOA of 73.2 feet (22.3 metres), a beam of 23.3 feet (7.1 metres), a draught of 5.9 feet (1.8 metres), and three Volvo Penta D13 EPA Tier III-compliant engines that will deliver a maximum speed of over 30 knots. Accommodation spaces will include a stateroom, two crew berths, a galley, a small dining area, and a toilet.

The vessel will be delivered by late 2022.