Safehaven Marine based in Ireland have just delivered a pilot vessel for operations at the Port of Berbera in
Somaliland, Africa. ‘Sanaag’ is one of Safehaven’s Interceptor 38 pilot vessels, at 11.9m LOA, a very capable design which proves economical to operate, yet capable of dealing with very rough seas and challenging boarding conditions when required.
She has been built for DP World Berbera to be given to the Somaliland Ports Authority. The build and sea
trials were managed fully by P&O Maritime Logistics. This is the fourth pilot boat that Safehaven Marine
have supplied to the DP World, all of which were delivered on time and have operated very successfully and
reliably over the years, this no doubt was a significant factor when the group required another new pilot
vessel, and with Sanaag being the 43rd pilot vessel Safehaven Marine have supplied, they were secure in the knowledge that they were working with a builder with a vast range of experience in this specialised sector. A repeat customer is always a fine endorsement for any boat builder.
‘Sanaag’ is powered by Caterpillar C7 350hp engines and ZF V drive gearboxes through conventional
sterngear providing her with a 18-20kts operational speed, she has a 5 person capacity for 4 pilots and
helmsman in her main cabin, all on CAB suspension seating with her helm position being centrally positioned
to allow excellent control and visibility to the coxswain during both port and st/bd boarding’s. The
Interceptor design features a central cabin configuration allowing a useful aft deck area and a clear wide
pilot boarding area forward. Below decks the design also features a spacious f/wd cabin which can
accommodate additional passengers when required. The hull is heavily fendered all round with a
combination of main gunwale, diagonals and a lower run as well as also employing Safehaven’s own special
sacrificial boarding fender providing additional protection at the shoulders. A bow pusher also allows her to
assist in docking of small ships in Port if called upon. High and low level pilot boarding railings as well as a
Hadrian safety rail ensure safety on deck. MOB recovery is via Safehaven’s well proven transom lift, of easy
manual operation it can quickly be deployed to safely recover a casualty from the water. An aft deck external
steering position facilitates the safe manoeuvring of the boat in any recovery situation. Fitted with a full
array of navigation equipment with Radar, GPS plotter, sounder, AIS and Sailor VHF radios, as well as a full
CCTV system covering all areas of the boat. The main cabin is fitted out to a high standard and is fully climate
controlled with twin 18,000 btu air conditioning units for redundancy ensuring a comfortable environment
for her crew and pilots during transits.
‘Sanaag’ Safehaven’s Interceptor 38 alongside one of their Interceptor 48’s during rough weather sea
trials, both designs are renowned for their excellent seakeeping abilities.
