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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.
Last month, the 22-metre launch was transferred from the fabrication hall to the water in the presence of representatives from the Port of Milford Haven, BMT and Next Generation Shipyards. Equipped with advanced systems and built to industry-leading standards, the new pilot vessel will enhance the Port’s pilotage capability by ensuring safe, reliable and efficient transfer operations.
The vessel is now undergoing comprehensive sea trials in Dutch waters, while the Port’s coxswains and crews receive initial training to operate the craft safely in all sea states and weather conditions. Delivery to Milford Haven is planned for spring 2026, when a formal naming ceremony will take place.
Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, praised the boat’s performance after experiencing it at sea:
“This vessel represents an outstanding achievement. Its advanced operational capabilities and exceptional build quality set a new benchmark for our sector. Above all, the design places safety at the forefront, ensuring the highest standards for our crews and clients. Our team can be genuinely proud of this addition to the fleet, which will strengthen our ability to deliver safe and efficient pilotage services. This project has been a major collaborative effort over the past five years, with our marine team deeply involved throughout, and I am delighted with the outcome. We look forward to welcoming the vessel to Pembrokeshire this spring.”
Dirk Keizer, Technical Director at Next Generation Shipyards, commented:
“The launch marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with the Port of Milford Haven. We have devoted great care to a design and construction process that prioritises innovation, safety and durability. It is impressive to see the new pilot vessel performing exactly as intended. Together with the Port, we are proud to deliver a future-ready craft capable of operating in the harshest conditions.”
Arran Roycroft, Director at Camarc Design, added:
“It is excellent to see the latest vessel from our Camarc 22-metre series launched and performing to expectations. This vessel incorporates multiple refinements developed over the years, including our latest pilot-specific hull form, a motion-balancing ballast tank system, and our proven self-righting capability. Strong cooperation between operator, builder and designer has been essential to achieving the required performance, and we are proud to have contributed.”
Steven Lee, Chief Naval Architect at BMT, said:
“BMT is proud to have supported the Port of Milford Haven in realising this state-of-the-art pilot vessel. Over the past five years, close collaboration with the Port’s maintenance staff, coxswains, pilots, project team, Camarc Design and Next Generation Shipyards has resulted in a highly capable craft that will significantly enhance pilotage operations. Safety has been the guiding principle throughout, ensuring robust and reliable performance in some of the world’s most demanding conditions. This vessel reflects the expertise and commitment of everyone involved. I look forward to seeing it complete the final stages in Milford Haven and enter full operational service. Congratulations to the entire team on delivering a world-class solution.”
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.
Last month, the 22-metre launch was transferred from the fabrication hall to the water in the presence of representatives from the Port of Milford Haven, BMT and Next Generation Shipyards. Equipped with advanced systems and built to industry-leading standards, the new pilot vessel will enhance the Port’s pilotage capability by ensuring safe, reliable and efficient transfer operations.
The vessel is now undergoing comprehensive sea trials in Dutch waters, while the Port’s coxswains and crews receive initial training to operate the craft safely in all sea states and weather conditions. Delivery to Milford Haven is planned for spring 2026, when a formal naming ceremony will take place.
Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, praised the boat’s performance after experiencing it at sea:
“This vessel represents an outstanding achievement. Its advanced operational capabilities and exceptional build quality set a new benchmark for our sector. Above all, the design places safety at the forefront, ensuring the highest standards for our crews and clients. Our team can be genuinely proud of this addition to the fleet, which will strengthen our ability to deliver safe and efficient pilotage services. This project has been a major collaborative effort over the past five years, with our marine team deeply involved throughout, and I am delighted with the outcome. We look forward to welcoming the vessel to Pembrokeshire this spring.”
Dirk Keizer, Technical Director at Next Generation Shipyards, commented:
“The launch marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with the Port of Milford Haven. We have devoted great care to a design and construction process that prioritises innovation, safety and durability. It is impressive to see the new pilot vessel performing exactly as intended. Together with the Port, we are proud to deliver a future-ready craft capable of operating in the harshest conditions.”
Arran Roycroft, Director at Camarc Design, added:
“It is excellent to see the latest vessel from our Camarc 22-metre series launched and performing to expectations. This vessel incorporates multiple refinements developed over the years, including our latest pilot-specific hull form, a motion-balancing ballast tank system, and our proven self-righting capability. Strong cooperation between operator, builder and designer has been essential to achieving the required performance, and we are proud to have contributed.”
Steven Lee, Chief Naval Architect at BMT, said:
“BMT is proud to have supported the Port of Milford Haven in realising this state-of-the-art pilot vessel. Over the past five years, close collaboration with the Port’s maintenance staff, coxswains, pilots, project team, Camarc Design and Next Generation Shipyards has resulted in a highly capable craft that will significantly enhance pilotage operations. Safety has been the guiding principle throughout, ensuring robust and reliable performance in some of the world’s most demanding conditions. This vessel reflects the expertise and commitment of everyone involved. I look forward to seeing it complete the final stages in Milford Haven and enter full operational service. Congratulations to the entire team on delivering a world-class solution.”
