Article

New Pilot Boat for Virginia Pilots


published on 2 April 2025 877 -

Source: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding

The Virginia Pilot Association has added a new high-speed pilot launch to its fleet, delivered by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. This marks the tenth vessel built by the Somerset, Massachusetts yard for the association since 1983.

The vessel, constructed in aluminum, is purpose-built for operations out of the Hampton Roads station. The new shallow-V hull, designed by Ray Hunt Design, reduces displacement by approximately 2,000 lbs compared to similarly sized offshore launches. This results in improved acceleration and higher top speed, while maintaining seakeeping and safe boarding characteristics.

The boat measures 58 feet in length, with an 18-foot beam and 4-foot draft. Propulsion is provided by twin Volvo Penta D13-800 diesel engines (EPA Tier 3), each delivering 800 bhp at 2300 rpm. These are coupled to Volvo Penta IPS 30 propulsion pods with dual forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers, integrated exhaust, and EVC electronic steering and control systems.

To assist with stability and performance, the vessel is equipped with a Humphree interceptor trim control system, featuring automatic trim, list, and coordinated turn functions. Electrical power is supplied by a 12kW Alaska Diesel generator.

The pilothouse is mounted amidships on a flush deck, with a centerline helm station. Aft of the pilothouse, a lightweight canopy extends approximately seven feet, allowing space for small groups or short layovers. The vessel includes accommodations for two crew, with Norsap shock-mitigating seats, a compact galley, settee, enclosed head, bunks, and storage for gear and suits.

For winter operations, the side decks and handrails are heated to prevent ice buildup. Forward, the bow features vertical fendering with integrated transfer steps. Aft, the docking station includes a rotating davit and Harken safety rail system for pilot retrieval.

The design prioritizes performance, safety, and efficiency — tailored to the operational demands of pilotage in the Hampton Roads area.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Improve comfort, safety and maneuvering with Humphree.

published on 24 September 2020

By using Humphree's trim and stabilization system, you will reduce resistance, fuel consumption and environmental impact. It also means that the best possible performance and stability is achieved.

Humphree USA reports that it has won numerous orders this year for its automatic stabilization technology in the North American pilot boat segment, with nine new boats either delivered or under construction for eight different pilot associations.

0

Article Gladding-Hearn Starts Construction of New Launch for Galtex Pilots

by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding - published on 8 July 2021

SOMERSET, Mass. – DATE – The Galveston-Texas City Pilots have ordered a fourth launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Delivery is scheduled for in late 2022.

1

Article Associated Federal Pilots Orders Launch From Gladding-Hearn

published on 13 November 2020

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, LA, has ordered a Chesapeake Class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Mass.-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

0

Video Impressions from the EMPA 2022 sponsor hall in Antwerp

published on 29 April 2022

The 56th EMPA General Meeting (27/04/2022 - 29/04/2022) was accompanied by an exhibition in which these companies participated:

0

Video ABB and Keppel O&M collaborate on autonomous tug with remote operation

published on 22 June 2021

ABB, together with Singaporean shipyard Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), has successfully carried out South Asia’s first remote joystick control of a tugboat in the busy Port of Singapore.
The Port of Singapore, with more than 130,000 vessels calling annually, presents one of the most complex settings for autonomous harbor operations in the world. The trial marks a major milestone in validating the increased safety and efficiency of tug operations utilizing digital solutions already...

1

Article New website to recruit Pilots for Nederlands Loodswezen

by Frank Diegel - published on 1 October 2021

The Dutch language is a requirement:
Wil je weten hoe je registerloods kunt worden? Of ben je op zoek naar een uitdagende functie bij de ondersteunende organisatie Nederlands Loodswezen BV?

0

Article e-book and international book order available: "Theory and Practices of Marine Pilotage" by Capt. Santosha K Nayak

published on 7 August 2020

This book was only available in some areas, now the author has created an e-book version. Furthermore it´s available on amazon as a paperback.

Completely new book on Ship manoeuvring techniques based on new revealing facts which have been brought to light. Must read for all the mariners to understand the behaviour of ships and how to control her behaviour during manoeuvring.

1

Video Tugboat Captain Works To Expose Baltimore City Youth To The Maritime Industry

published on 10 September 2020

In the Inner Harbor, a tugboat captain is teaching Baltimore's inner-city youth about the maritime industry.

0

Article "The 20,000 TEU Club" - The fleet of the largest container vessels.

by Frank Diegel - published on 24 June 2020

The fleets of container vessels storing more than 20,000 TEU is growing. Today the 20,000 TEU Club includes 69 vessels with a total capacity of 1,495,798 TEU.

0

Video Thun London Tanker & Pilot Boat Chase

published on 2 September 2022

August 2022, tanker Thun London and Foyle Leader pilot vessel. www.nightskyhunter.com

0