Article

Lithuania's Klaipeda Port orders hybrid pilot boats from Estonian builder


by Baird Maritime - published on 31 July 2024 2949 -

The Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania has placed an order for two pilot boats in a series to be built by Estonia-based Baltic Workboats. The contract for the vessels has an estimated value of €6.5 million (US$7 million).

The vessels will utilise an existing Baltic Workboats 17-metre pilot boat design but with hybrid electric propulsion systems consisting of 240kWh energy storage systems, motors, and a hybrid drivetrain. The configuration will allow fully electric, hybrid, or diesel operation.

The maximum speed of each boat will be 25 knots. At a speed of seven knots in fully electric mode, each boat will be able to sail 15 nautical miles, making it ideal for short voyages in ports where strict emissions regulations are being enforced.

Delivery of the pilot boats is scheduled for 2025. The operation of the new vessels is in line with the Port of Klaipeda's aim of reducing its overall environmental impact.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Baltic Workboats' PILOT 15 WP has won a Small Pilot Boat Award for 2019

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 January 2020

Baltic Workboats have won under the category of "Best Small Pilot Boat" the Best builder of a Small Pilot Boat Award for 2019 for their model PILOT 15 WP.

0

Video Port Everglades Pilots Crane Arrival

published on 19 November 2020

On November 17th 2020 Port Everglades Pilot Mark Ruppert brought the ship Zhen Hua 25 into Port Everglades. The ship was loaded with 3 huge gantry cranes, a crucial part of the port expansion project.
Found on YouTube. Filmed and produced by Captain Carl Mahler
Editor's note: Great video but where is the life jacket? 1:36

1

Video Baltic Workboats Pilot Ship (2016)

published on 17 June 2021

Baltic Workboat Pilot Shop, American Workboats Shipyard

0

Video Cargo ship ONE Apus loses more than 1,800 containers in Pacific storm

published on 11 December 2020

The Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Apus has lost 1,816 cargo carriers after it was caught up in a violent storm in the Pacific on November 30, 2020. The vessel arrived December 8 in the Japanese port of Kobe, where shipowners and managers said a full safety inspection would be carried out. The incident is described as the second biggest cargo loss in shipping history.

0

Article Rio de Janeiro Pilots have a new president

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 6 April 2020

Everton Schmidt assumed the position with the commitment to maintain the activities during the new coronavirus pandemic.

0

Article Help needed: For better visibility of the pilot work

published on 26 November 2025

This is a tribute build to a work life at sea. It is adventure. It is history. And it is modern story of a work life for many people around the world. Vote here!

1

Video Baltic Workboats Steams into the U.S. Pilot Boat Market

published on 29 January 2026

Based in Estonia, Baltic Workboats is a long-tenured boatbuilder for multiple markets, including the demanding pilot boat sector. Late in 2025 in New Orleans BWB debuted a new hybrid electric 17m model, a boat that leans on more than 15 years of accrued experience building larger hybrid electric vessels. Carl Mahler, BWB’s North American sales lead and a harbor pilot himself, discussed with Maritime Reporter TV the value proposition offered by the shipyard, from manufacturing process to...

0

Article Marine pilot Devan Pulliah (TNPA) reminisces on his journey

published on 15 October 2020

As a navy veteran with seven years experience, mainly on strike craft, Devan Pulliah joined Transnet in 1997 to become a tug master in East London before being enrolled in Transnet National Ports Authority’s class of 1999 to help change the future of the maritime industry.

0

Video ETA and EMPA Efficient and safe towage operations

published on 31 August 2022

The European Tugowners Association in collaboration with the European Maritime Pilots Association has produced this informative video on efficient and safe towage operations. These guidelines address the main factors affecting the safety of harbour towage operations such as good communications between pilots, ship captains and tugmasters.

2

Video Very descriptive: Piston Effect when entering lock.

published on 10 May 2020

Two new locks were introduced in 2009 for training in the new Panama lock conditions with or without tug(s). This video shows the famous "piston effect" when entering the lock at an impressive speed of 10 knots with a high blockage factor.
Port Revel provides shiphandling training using manned models for maritime pilots, masters and officers: http://www.portrevel.com

0