Article

Canaveral Pilots Partners with Glosten/Ray Hunt for Electric Pilot Boat


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 10 February 2020 490 -

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...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
LZ
Laurent Zavaro France
on 9 March 2020, 17:33 UTC

Hi, there is one specimen of Hybrid Pilot Boat in Thames.
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
[show more]
0

Read more...

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

0

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.

0

Video Port Caneveral: Harbor Pilots Navigate Mega Cruise Ships

published on 24 August 2023

Tthe fascinating process behind safely guiding mammoth ships like the Wonder of the Seas, Marella Discovery, and MSC Seaside through the harbor's busy waters.

0

Video Pilot Boat Build Progress - April 2025

published on 27 August 2026

Port of Milford Haven

1

Video Norwegian SR Seatrial

published on 22 April 2021

The crew from Rescue RS 172 in Norway at sea trial with Humphree interceptors in "Active" mode. Storm outside Hvaler, Norway.
”Our job is to be there for people at sea in any condition. No system can eliminate motions from a roaring North Sea, what Humphree does is to give us the best possible control of our workboats, a system that makes a real difference to get the job done.”
Knut Hveding, Manager New Builds
Norwegian Search and Rescue team

0

Video Montrose Port Authority Pilot Boat Arrival

published on 29 December 2022

Montrose Port Authority's new pilot boat was welcomed by water cannons as it arrived at its new home at the port of Montrose on Thursday 22nd December, making its journey from Ireland where the boat was constructed.
Read more about the pilot boat arrival on the Montrose Port Authority website: https://montroseport.co.uk/2022/12/23/pilot-boat-new/

0

Article Launch Marks Key Milestone for Milford Haven’s New Pilot Vessel

published on 10 December 2025

The Port of Milford Haven’s new pilot vessel has reached a key project milestone with a successful launch in the Netherlands, where the craft is currently under construction.

2

Video 11.6M Pilot Boat | Performance & Reliability

published on 13 March 2025

Take a closer look at our 11.6-meter pilot boat in a stunning red and white color scheme. Designed for performance, safety, and versatility, this vessel is built to handle demanding maritime operations. Watch to explore its key features and see how it can meet your needs !

0

Video A Day in the Life of a Marine Pilot

published on 2 April 2025

As an island nation, over 98% of Australia’s trade moves through ports. At the heart of the trade supply chain are the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots. These highly skilled maritime professionals make sure the vessels carrying goods through our ports travel safely and efficiently. Take a look at a day in the life of an NQBP marine pilot at one of Queensland’s multi-commodity ports, the Port of Mackay. Read more https://nqbp.com.au/about-us/news/articles/a-day-in-...

0

Video James Whalen 1905 Tugboat Sinks Historic Loss Thunder Bay Ontario

published on 2 May 2022

An unfortunate turn of events for the 117 year old Tugboat James Whalen...
Music "Morning Blue" "Fight the Sea" by Josh Woodward www.joshwoodward.com
Check out Thrunite Lights at https://www.amazon.ca/stores/ThruNite/page/2C3E9682-F7E4-4AC3-9D05-C77D2C4D3D0A?ref_=ast_bln
Outdoor Rob Adventure Channel

0