Article

TWO NEW METAL SHARK PILOT BOATS NOW SERVING PORT OF NEW ORLEANS


by Metal Shark Boats - published on 20 November 2019 716 -

Jeanerette, LA – November 14th, 2019: Shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered two new pilot boats to New Orleans-based operator Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, LLC (BCMT).

Designed in-house by Metal Shark and built at the company’s Jeanerette, Louisiana production facility, “Jet 1” and “Jet 2” are 45-foot welded aluminum Defiant-class monohull pilothouse vessels featuring an extensively proven hull design. The vessels feature a unique deck arrangement designed for pilots and customized to meet BCMT’s specific requirements.

Both vessels were recently delivered and are now operating on the Mississippi River, providing service to BCMT’s Port of New Orleans clients.

Like all of Metal Shark’s Defiant-class pilot boats, the climate-controlled pilothouses of BCMT’s new vessels feature Metal Shark’s signature “Pillarless Glass” for significantly improved visibility, in a reverse-raked arrangement developed specifically for pilot operations. Visibility is further augmented by the vessel’s elevated, centerline helm position, and large overhead skylights that provide upward visibility while approaching and operating alongside moving ships.

Fully flush non-skid decks allow for unimpeded access around the vessel, and hand rails have been placed within easy reach of all crew, inside the cabin and outside on deck, at all times. Low-level LED pathway lighting enhances safety during nighttime operation. The vessel’s large, functional swim platform, plus easily accessible Jason’s Cradle, dive ladder, and throwable life rings, are intended to assure quick and safe crew retrieval in the event of a man overboard situation.

Designed in close collaboration with the client, the new vessels feature a unique rooftop pilot boarding arrangement with retractable platforms allowing for both port and starboard pilot boardings. Lower forward port and starboard platforms and integrated foredeck stairwell, all with carefully-placed grab rails, allow for safe and secure transfer in the widest possible range of scenarios.

Powered by twin Cummins Marine QSM11 diesel engines coupled with Hamilton HJ322 water jets, Jet 1 and Jet 2 demonstrate pinpoint maneuverability while delivering a cruise speed in excess of 30 knots and a top speed in the 40 knot range. A urethane-sheathed, closed-cell foam Wing collar provides durable and resilient fendering. Shock-mitigating seating has been provided for a crew of five, and anti-fatigue floor covering has been provided in the pilothouse and the belowdecks crew spaces. Additional features include a galley, enclosed head compartment, v-berth, and large walk-in mid-cabin storage compartment.

“By combining our military-proven hull designs with modern, crew-friendly features, we are delivering smarter and more user-friendly pilot boats that simply work better than the industry’s legacy product offerings,” said Metal Shark’s CEO Chris Allard. “We continue to task ourselves to deliver improved platforms that deliver improved comfort, efficiency, reliability, and safety to our customers.”

“These two new vessels are part of Metal Shark’s fully-realized, next-generation pilot boat lineup that now includes 38’, 45’, 50’, 55’, 64’, and 75’ offerings,” said Metal Shark’s Vice President of Commercial Sales, Carl Wegener. “Like the other Metal Shark pilot boats now in service, these newest vessels represent the latest thinking in pilot boat design. We invite pilots from coast to coast to visit us at the upcoming International Workboat Show in New Orleans, where we’ll be showing off one of these new Belle Chasse pilot boats.”

Metal Shark is a diversified shipbuilder specializing in the design and construction of welded aluminum and steel vessels from 16’ to over 300’ for defense, law enforcement, and commercial operators. Key customers include the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, foreign militaries, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, passenger vessel operators, pilot associations, towboat operators, and other clients worldwide. With three fully self-contained shipbuilding facilities in Alabama and Louisiana USA plus a dedicated engineering facility in Croatia, Metal Shark’s 500+ employees produce over 200 vessels per year with a proud and proven track record of high quality, on time deliveries.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Sixth High-Speed Launch for Delta Pilots

by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding - published on 27 November 2019

Delta Launch Services has ordered a new pilot boat from Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding (Duclos Corporation).

This is the sixth St. John’s Class launch built by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard. Delivery of the new 52-footer is scheduled for July 2020.

0

Article NEW PILOT BOAT DPC TOLKA ARRIVES IN DUBLIN PORT

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 5 December 2019

Dublin Port Company has taken delivery of a new Pilot Boat, named DPC Tolka. The state-of-the art vessel arrived in Dublin Port having set sail from Great Yarmouth via Lowestoft, Dover, Gosport, Plymouth, Falmouth and Milford Haven.

0

Article LYMAN-MORSE ANNOUNCES BALTIC WORKBOATS PARTNERSHIP

by Baltic Workboats AS - published on 15 December 2019

Since 1978 Lyman-Morse has built more than 110 vessels, ranging from aluminum workboats to high-end composite racing yachts and luxury power yachts. “Their experience with so many different building materials opens up a world of new possibilities for our vessels,” says Baltic Workboats’ CEO Margus Vanaselja.

0

Video Barracuda & TCII in Mays storm (Safehaven Marine)

published on 1 June 2022

Here's a nice little video of sea trials during the recent unseasonal storm we had last month, which produced some pretty rough conditions at the entrance to Cork Harbour. We managed to capture some nice footage of the Barracuda and Thunder Child II on the day.

0

Video Bristol Pilots (UK) - Pilot Boarding

published on 30 September 2022

Editor's note: Nice video and many right steps! But the pilot should walk on the other - none ship - side for his safety. Great to see so many helmets and the second man secured to the pilot boat with a line.

0

Video Ship Entering Harbor

published on 11 January 2022

Time Lapse Video of a Ship Entering Harbor

0

Article Safehaven Marine delivers a new Interceptor 48, 15m Pilot Vessel to the San Juan Bay Pilots, Puerto Rico.

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 11 May 2020

Safehaven Marine have delivered one our Interceptor 48 pilot vessels to the San Juan Bay Pilots, Puerto Rico.
This marks Safehaven Marines 41st pilot boat delivered to portsWorldwide. ‘Harbor Thunder’ a very striking
design, she is powered by a pair of Cummins QSM11 engines at a heavy duty rating of 450hp, allowing the
vessel an economical continuous operational speed of 22-23kts.

0

Video Pilot Boat working close to shore, but not the best of weather.

published on 21 February 2022

Pilot Boat working close to shore, but not the best of weather.

0

Video How seafarers are helped to pilot autonomous vessels?

published on 30 June 2021

More on the power of Simulation and Training: https://pages.wartsila.digital/simulation-and-training-yt
ISTLAB photos by SAMK / Pekka Lehmuskallio

0

Article Product Pirates risk the lives of Marine Pilots!

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 17 December 2019

PTR Holland® are aware that certain parties have copied and supply, low-quality imitations of our rope ladders through several ship-chandlers in Rotterdam, Houston, Greece and in Turkey.

0