Text by Baird Maritime, photo by Hin Lee Shipyard
China’s Hin Lee (Zhuhai) Shipyard has delivered a new pilot boat to the Hong Kong Pilots Association (HKPA).
The Camarc-designed Pilot 63 measures 17.3 by five metres and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots. The boat also possesses self-righting ability.
The newbuild will operate alongside sister vessel Pilot 62 in serving HKPA’s various clients.
In August 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Formosabulk Clement diverted to Brisbane, Queensland for crew change, to be completed to/from a launch via the combination pilot ladder. At the time, Queensland was the easiest jurisdiction in Australia for ships to conduct crew change due to the State’s extensive quarantine arrangements for transporting and accommodating seafarers.
