Press release by Canaveral Pilots Association
Canaveral Pilots Association (Canaveral Pilots) has partnered with naval architecture firms Glosten and Ray Hunt Design (Ray Hunt) on a pilot/demonstration project for the design, construction, and operation of an electric pilot boat. The boat will feature a battery-electric propulsion system with an emergency 'get home' diesel engine. Once in service, it will serve as one of two primary boats for supporting pilotage operations in Port Canaveral.
During the feasibility-level engineering, the team established that a Ray Hunt hull form outfitted with a Glosten-designed battery propulsion system will achieve the speed and operating range required to support normal pilotage operations in Port Canaveral. "We are happy with how this is taking shape," said Morgan Fanberg, President of Glosten. "Ray Hunt brings a wealth of knowledge on planing hulls and pilot vessels, specifically. Combining that with our own experience in electric propulsion systems, we hope to provide an excellent working solution for Canaveral Pilots." Specific design details remain confidential at this stage, but the minimum performance criteria established by Port Canaveral included a cruising speed of 18 knots and an operating range (on battery propulsion only) of 24 nautical miles.
Currently, there are no pilot boats operating in the US with hybrid or fully electric propulsion systems. "The technology isn't necessarily new. The challenge is managing total weight in relation to the hull form and the required operating profile," says Winn Willard, President of Ray Hunt. "Because we are seeing a growing interest in such vessels, it made sense to partner with Glosten to work through those technical challenges."
With feasibility-level engineering now complete, the next step for the Glosten-led team is the development of a draft program for the pilot/demonstration project to be used for Federal and/or State grant funding solicitations.
"We are excited to forge ahead with Glosten and Ray Hunt on this project," said Brendan McMillin, Co-chairman of Canaveral Pilots. "This presents an opportunity not only to reduce some of our maintenance and operating costs, but to demonstrate that electric propulsion can be adopted by marine pilot associations on a broader scale."
Join the conversation...
In Transfluid, https://plugboats.com/launch-of-worlds-1st-hybrid-pilot-boat-for-london/ we have the technology and it runs quite well...
If needed, just contact me : salesfr@transfluid.eu
Video World’s First 100% Electric Hydrofoil Pilot Boat Takes to the Water
published on 8 July 2026
Imagine a boat that doesn't just sail—it actually flies above the water! 🚤⚡ In this video, you'll discover the world's first 100% electric hydrofoil pilot boat, a revolutionary innovation that is changing the future of marine transportation. Instead of pushing through the water like traditional boats, this incredible vessel lifts itself above the surface using advanced hydrofoil technology. The result is a smoother ride, significantly lower energy consumption, reduced drag, and zero direct...
Video Harbor Pilots of Port Canaveral: Cruise Ship Transfers
published on 6 January 2025
In this video watch massive cruise ships departing from the Port of Canaveral! Join the Canaveral Pilots Association as we capture stunning footage of these floating cities embarking on unforgettable cruise adventures. From Royal Caribbean to Disney Cruise Line, experience the thrill of watching these colossal vessels glide through the water.
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more videos about Ships! ⚓
#portcanaveral #harborpilot #cruiseship
Video Singapore’s First Hybrid Electric boat underway
published on 29 April 2021
15 mtr pilot boat classed under BV with the notation Electric Hybrid and Zero-Emission (“ZE”) mode. This notation provides operational and environmental benefits. It helps to ensure the systems operate safely and efficiently, as well as reduce fuel consumption, local air emissions and noise when in proximity to centers of population.
Video It's Cruise ship season Victoria BC
published on 13 May 2026
Article Three new pilot boats for Port of Shenzhen
published on 20 February 2022
Video Pilot Boarding a cargo ship @ Amsterdam
published on 11 December 2020
Article Best Medium Pilot Boat "Spirit" by Hart Marine
by Baird Maritime - published on 23 April 2025
Video The #MariTeam of the Port of Rotterdam #1: Harbour Coordination Centre and Dutch Pilotage
published on 26 January 2021
In the first episode of the 3-part series 'The Rotterdam Harbour MariTeam', Portvloggers Steven and Leida take you to the Harbour Coordination Centre and sail with the Dutch Pilotage. How important is teamwork in their work? https://www.portofrotterdam.com Follow Port of Rotterdam also on: Facebook: https://tiny.cc/zdshhy Twitter: https://tiny.cc/peshhy Linkedin: https://tiny.cc/cdshhy Website: https://www.portofrotterdam.com
