Article

Gladding-Hearn Builds New Class of Launch for Maryland Pilots


published on 26 July 2021 22 -

The Association of Maryland Pilots has taken delivery of a new class of pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Called the “Baltimore Class” after the pilots’ base of operations at the Port of Baltimore.  

With a length overall of 48.5’, beam of 15.6’, and draft of 4’, the all-aluminum pilot boat features the Ray Hunt Design deep V hull. It is powered by twin Volvo Penta D13, EPA Tier 3-compliant diesel engines, each delivering 600 hp at 1900 rpm, with a top speed of 30 knots. A Humphree interceptor trim-tab control system, with its Automatic Trim Optimization, is installed at the transom.

The engines turn 5-blade Bruntons NiBrAl propellers via ZF400-A gear boxes. The launch is equipped with a 6kW Northern Lights genset.

The wheelhouse, flush-mounted to the deck amidship, features a center-line helm station, five Norsap shock-mitigating reclining seats, a bag rack, refrigerator and a 16,000 Btu reverse-cycle HVAC unit. A second 12,000 Btu HVAC unit is installed in the unfinished forecastle, which includes a Porta-Potty, tool box and storage for safety gear.                   

Outside of the wheelhouse are heated, wide side decks and hand rails, side and rear doors, and boarding platforms on the roof. A Harken safety rail has been installed on the sides and around the front of the wheelhouse. A control station is at the transom, along with a powered rescue system at the transom, for pilot rescue operations. 

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Pilot Boat Review "Colne Leader" by BairdMaritime.com

by Baird Maritime - published on 10 May 2023

The Brightlingsea Harbour Commission of Essex, UK, recently took delivery of a new pilot boat built by Seaward Boat Development Company based on the Isle of Wight.

0

Video Pilot Boat Indonesia

published on 14 April 2022

#pilotboat #pelabuhanindonesia

1

Video Pilot boat - Port of Patras

published on 14 July 2020

Pilot's boat port of Patras

0

Video Smooth Sailing: Pros and Cons of a SWATH Vessel

published on 7 August 2020

When you think about SWATH ships, remember seakeeping. Imagine gliding gently over waves. That serenity is what SWATH ships deliver. It comes at the price of several new design challenges. But for the right mission, a SWATH is worth it. Maybe the tradeoffs are right for you? Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of a SWATH. REFERENCES [1] Mecaflux, "Midship, Frontal Surface Area and Flotation," Mecaflux, [Online]. Available: https://www.mecaflux.com/en/Maitre_couple.htm. [Accessed...

0

Video Tyne Pilot Boat Collingwood

published on 5 March 2025

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Port of Tyne pilot boat crew aboard Collingwood! From sunrise to sunset, these skilled mariners navigate the River Tyne and the North Sea, ensuring the safe passage of massive cargo ships, tankers, and ferries.
Watch as the crew battles the elements, transfers pilots onto moving vessels, and keeps the busy shipping lane running smoothly. This is a rare glimpse into the teamwork, precision, and dedication required to guide ships...

0

Opinion What you can´t see still hurt you

published on 13 December 2020

This article was originally published on Baird Maritime (link below)
When a pilot is berthing a ship with the aid of tugs, it sometimes happens that the ship lands heavily and suffers minor damage. More commonly in my experience, it also happens that the crew discover a large dent for which they cannot account ...

0

Video Florida Harbor Pilot Boarding Submarine

published on 6 July 2019

A Florida Harbor Pilot encountering the pilot pilot ladder of a submarine. First harbor pilots must make their way offshore through rough seas to a vessel desiring their expertise to safely enter port. Next harbor pilots must negotiate the dangerous boarding accommodations to embark on vessels of every type. Next, the real work begins by using years of experience and centuries of knowledge passed down through the rigorous training process, to safely guide vessels in and out of Florida's...

0

Video Cargo ship ONE Apus loses more than 1,800 containers in Pacific storm

published on 11 December 2020

The Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Apus has lost 1,816 cargo carriers after it was caught up in a violent storm in the Pacific on November 30, 2020. The vessel arrived December 8 in the Japanese port of Kobe, where shipowners and managers said a full safety inspection would be carried out. The incident is described as the second biggest cargo loss in shipping history.

0

Video Suez Canal blocked: Strong wind or human error?

published on 28 March 2021

The operators of Egypt's Suez Canal say technical or human error could have caused a huge container ship to run aground. Engineers are working round the clock to refloat the Ever Given. The vessel has been blocking one of the world's busiest shipping lanes for the last five days. The chairman of the canal authority hopes a dredging operation will free the ship in the next few days.

0