Text and photo by Port of Waterford
The Port of Waterford is to invest almost €1m in a new pilot boat to be named Port Láirge, which as Irish for Waterford is a name long associated with a steam-powered dredger that served Waterford for more than 70 years until the 1980s.The 15-metre long boat will provide safer working conditions for pilotage personnel. Youghal, Co Cork-based Safehaven Marine won a tendering process to design and build the new boat which will be fitted with the latest marine safety technology.
The new boat is due to come into use in September 2021.
Capt Darren Doyle, Harbourmaster, Port of Waterford, said: “We look forward to the new Port Láirge being brought into service next year. Our pilot boat crew and pilots do vitally important work year-round and it is essential that they have the best possible vessel to operate from.”
