Courtesy: Marine Alutech
Finnpilot Pilotage Ltd has strengthened its long-standing collaboration with Marine Alutech by ordering another Watercat 160 Pilot, marking the sixth vessel of the series for the Finnish pilotage fleet. This order reflects Finnpilot’s ongoing trust in Marine Alutech’s advanced pilot craft solutions.
The first Watercat 160 Pilot was delivered in spring 2022. Built for the harsh Baltic environment, the ice-capable vessels offer outstanding seakeeping and significantly reduced environmental impact through exceptionally low fuel consumption.
Designed for extreme conditions, the Watercat 160 Pilot features self-righting capability and can navigate in surface ice up to five centimetres thick. It is equally suited for offshore pilot transfers to deep-draught vessels and manoeuvring within confined harbour waters. The bow is equipped with D-type rubber fenders, and the hull sides are protected by truck tyres to ensure safe boarding operations.
The wheelhouse, fitted with nine heated, tinted windows and sunshades, ensures superior visibility in all weather conditions. Crew seating includes four-point harnesses and footrests for enhanced safety.
Propulsion is provided by a Scania DI13 079M engine (552 kW, IMO Tier II) paired with a Twin Disc MGX-6599A gearbox and Steerprop propeller, delivering over 23 knots maximum speed and 20 knots cruising. Hydraulic-assisted steering ensures quick, silent response. The engine room features interference-protected Frenchlight LED lighting.
Onboard electronics are powered by dual 220Ah batteries. The comprehensive Furuno suite includes a DRS12A-NXT radar, FM-8900S radios, Navpilot 711C autopilot, GPS, FA-170 AIS, SC-70 satellite compass, BR-500 BNWAS, and LH-5000 loudhailer. Supplementary systems comprise a MaxSea plotter, McMurdo handheld VHFs, EPIRB, SART, five wide-angle night vision cameras, and a multi-view video switch positioned next to the helm.
A Seematz searchlight and bow headlights enhance operations in low-visibility conditions. Emergency lighting is independent and remains operational even if the vessel capsizes.
For rapid evacuation, a SOLAS B-certified liferaft with hydrostatic release is installed, with remote deployment capability from within the wheelhouse.
Finnpilot Pilotage Ltd has strengthened its long-standing collaboration with Marine Alutech by ordering another Watercat 160 Pilot, marking the sixth vessel of the series for the Finnish pilotage fleet. This order reflects Finnpilot’s ongoing trust in Marine Alutech’s advanced pilot craft solutions.
The first Watercat 160 Pilot was delivered in spring 2022. Built for the harsh Baltic environment, the ice-capable vessels offer outstanding seakeeping and significantly reduced environmental impact through exceptionally low fuel consumption.
Designed for extreme conditions, the Watercat 160 Pilot features self-righting capability and can navigate in surface ice up to five centimetres thick. It is equally suited for offshore pilot transfers to deep-draught vessels and manoeuvring within confined harbour waters. The bow is equipped with D-type rubber fenders, and the hull sides are protected by truck tyres to ensure safe boarding operations.
The wheelhouse, fitted with nine heated, tinted windows and sunshades, ensures superior visibility in all weather conditions. Crew seating includes four-point harnesses and footrests for enhanced safety.
Propulsion is provided by a Scania DI13 079M engine (552 kW, IMO Tier II) paired with a Twin Disc MGX-6599A gearbox and Steerprop propeller, delivering over 23 knots maximum speed and 20 knots cruising. Hydraulic-assisted steering ensures quick, silent response. The engine room features interference-protected Frenchlight LED lighting.
Onboard electronics are powered by dual 220Ah batteries. The comprehensive Furuno suite includes a DRS12A-NXT radar, FM-8900S radios, Navpilot 711C autopilot, GPS, FA-170 AIS, SC-70 satellite compass, BR-500 BNWAS, and LH-5000 loudhailer. Supplementary systems comprise a MaxSea plotter, McMurdo handheld VHFs, EPIRB, SART, five wide-angle night vision cameras, and a multi-view video switch positioned next to the helm.
A Seematz searchlight and bow headlights enhance operations in low-visibility conditions. Emergency lighting is independent and remains operational even if the vessel capsizes.
For rapid evacuation, a SOLAS B-certified liferaft with hydrostatic release is installed, with remote deployment capability from within the wheelhouse.
