Article

Port of Townsville to expand pilot boat fleet


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 24 January 2020 244 -

photo and article by Port of Townsville

The Port of Townsville, northern Australia’s largest multi-cargo port, is expanding its fleet of pilot boats to four.

The Port has awarded Hart Marine a $3 million contract to build a 17.3m ORC vessel that is due for delivery later in 2020. The new high-tech vessel will be slightly longer but have the same design features as the PV Osprey which was delivered by Hart Marine in late 2017.

Port of Townsville General Manager Operations Drew Penny says that the new longer pilot boat’s advanced technology and design features will make it a vital asset for pilot-transfers at the Ports of Townsville, Lucinda and Abbot Point.

``Weather conditions at the three ports that our pilot boats service can be unpredictable, particularly in the wet season. It is essential that our pilot vessels provide a stable and secure platform for the pilots to transfer to and from ships 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Mr Penny.

Design features to be included in the Port’s new pilot boat include the ability to right itself if it capsizes in heavy seas. The boat will also have oversized rudders that give it greater manoeuvrability, wide side-decks that provide more room for pilots, as well as a wave-piercing beak bow to minimise pitching.

Every year, the Port of Townsville’s pilot boats undertake 1,200 transfers to and from vessels longer than 50 metres that are entering and departing the Port. The Port’s pilot boats travel 139km north to Lucinda and 200km south to Abbot Point to provide the same service to vessels using those Ports.

``The pilot boat service that we provide to the Ports of Abbot Point and Lucinda adds an extra 700 trips to those that are undertaken at the Port of Townsville. The extra vessel will allow us to provide a better service at all three ports, with less time spent travelling from Townsville,’’ Mr Penny said.

Hart Marine General Manager Graeme Taylor said everything about this new boat meets the demands of the work environment of the tropical waters in North Queensland. This includes a cruising speed of 26 knots, a unique wave-piercing bow design to increase performance and safety, and a suspended wheelhouse that reduces noise and vibration. The result is not only increased crew and passenger comfort, but also a reduced risk of fatigue.

``Our customers expect ships to transit without delays, so the all-weather pilot boat we are building allows the Port of Townsville to keep ships moving and avoid delays,’’ Mr Taylor said.

``Our experience in pilot boat construction will deliver a vessel that satisfies the requirements of the marine pilots who guide ships in and out of Townsville, Lucinda and Abbot Point.’’

The Port of Townsville’s increased pilot boat fleet will mean more efficient ship movements, fewer delays as well as reduced costs for shipping companies. The name of the new pilot boat will be announced later in 2020.

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video 18 meter pilot boat built by Hart Marine, with ZF Marine Transmission

published on 28 February 2020

Exclusive Review in Port Phillip, Australia, of 18 meter pilot boat built by Hart Marine, with ZF Marine Transmission.

0

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

by Metal Shark Boats - published on 20 November 2019

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).

0

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 “The Pilot Ladder Manual”, 2nd Edition by Kevin Vallance

by Kevin Vallance - published on 22 January 2024

This publication (2024) details the rules, regulations and procedures that should be followed when preparing for pilot embarkation and disembarkation. It includes relevant excerpts from SOLAS regulations and IMO resolutions.

1

Article Updated Marine Safety Information by U.S. Coast Guard

published on 6 November 2020

U.S. Coastgard has published an update of their Recommendation for Pilot Transfer Arrangements in latest Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB).

"Recent deaths of maritime pilots while embarking commercial vessels highlight the risks of operating in an
unforgiving maritime environment. To ensure the safety of all personnel boarding a vessel at sea, the Coast
Guard reminds vessel owners and operators of the requirements contained in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V, Regulation 23 and strongly recommends that owners and operators follow the recommendations within IMO Resolution A.1045(27) – Pilot Transfer Arrangements. "

0

Article Santander Pilots ISPO certified (since July 2020)

by ISPO - International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations - published on 17 November 2020

The ISPO is a quality and safety management system produced for pilots by pilots and provides performance criteria for Risk Management, Training & Qualification, Pilot Operations, Customer Relations and Emergency Preparedness.

1

Article Maritime Big Data in Demand - Vessels on a Map Is No Longer Cutting It

by GateHouse Maritime A/S - published on 30 October 2019

In the last couple of years several paid as well as free tools have made it easier than ever to access vessels on a map. Although vessels shown on a map have their place, authorities and industry are understanding the greater potential and value of the underlying AIS data.

0

Article River and Bar Pilot Accidents

by www.maritimeinjuryguide.org - published on 16 December 2021

"Mariners may receive financial compensation for current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, present and future lost wages, and pain and suffering."

1

Article Latest AMSA Notice Emphasises The Need For Safe Pilot Transfer Arrangements

published on 18 February 2022

AMSA notes with concern that since November 2017 several pilots’ lives have been placed at risk, in six separate incidents where man ropes have parted, or its securing point has failed. In addition, AMSA regularly receives reports and complaints about non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements

1

Opinion Leadership in Pilotage: Strategic Command and Navigational Mastery

by Maritime Pilot Abolfazl Farajnezam - published on 11 February 2025

Among the few marine professions that purse a man's technical skills and value very high, maritime piloting perhaps is in a class of its own. In this career, the pilot is entrusted to maneuver vessels through some of the most challenging and congested waterways while ensuring seamless integration between shipboard operations and port infrastructure.

3