Spill response vessel to take on pilot station duties following refit

Feeney Shipyard in New York has completed work to convert the oil spill response vessel Maine Responder into a pilot station vessel for the Sandy Hook Pilots Association of New York and New Jersey.

JMS Naval Architects provided engineering support for the conversion of the 208-foot (60-metre) vessel, which has since been renamed New York.

JMS’ work began by surveying Maine Responder ahead of the vessel purchase to assess its general condition and suitability to being converted to a pilot station boat. A comparative seakeeping analysis was also performed to determine the vessel’s motion characteristics while on station.

In general, the conversion design included extensive modifications to remove the oil recovery systems. The work also entailed the installation of a large deck house for the pilot berthing, lounge, and mess and the incorporation of operational capabilities specific to the pilots’ mission.

The completed vessel retains its helicopter pad, ABS Classification, and U.S. Coast Guard COI as a Subchapter I vessel.