Article

Port of Townsville expands pilot boat fleet with Hart Marine´s ORC 173


published on 7 December 2021 -  149 -

Port of Townsville latest Mantaray HM ORC 173, along with all Port of Townsville’s pilot boat fleet is defined by the Pantocarene designed beak bow vessels that are the forefront of pilot vessel desingn worldwide. The beak bow is designed to increase the waterline and reduce slamming and vertical accelerations, this along with the remotely mounted wheelhouse to reduce noise and vibration results in lower fatigue of pilots and vessel operators. Through 30+ years of design development Pantocarenes has been able to signifiantly reduce the drag of the hull form while maintaining best of breed qualities. The drag reduction therefore improves fuel efficiency and emissions. The HM ORC 173 hull is a refinement of 30 year’s knowledge of designing beaked bow vessels.
The client required a similar vessel to expand their fleet, fleet continuity was extremely important to the Port of Townsville. They wanted their users to be able to adapt to each vessel easily from a fleet management point of view. Port of Townsville required a 17.3 pilot vessel to expand their growing fleet and provide capability at remote parts operated by the Port of Townsville.

Port of Townsville required a vessel that could sustain longer runs, that could stay anchored in-between transfers, with option for pilots to rest on the day bed located within the wheelhouse, when not in use the day bed doubles as extra bench seating.
The chosen propulsion system was the VEEM Props 5 Blade with the standard high performing package
Yanmar 6HYM -WET engines with twin disc MGX 5126A 2.04:1 gearbox connected to Veem 5 blade propellers.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Sea Shepherd - Pilot Boat - Port of Aberdeen - Best Viewed From Above

published on 15 October 2026

Commissioned by the Aberdeen Harbour Board the Sea Shepherd was built by the renowned Macduff Shipyards in Aberdeenshire. The vessel was designed by Murray Cormack, evolving from their highly successful "NorthBay 17" hull design. The primary design prompt called for an exceptionally rugged craft capable of handling the severe, choppy sea conditions found just outside the Aberdeen breakwater. To meet this requirement, Murray Cormack developed a single-chine displacement hull specifically...

0

Article Canaveral Pilots Partners with Glosten/Ray Hunt for Electric Pilot Boat

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 10 February 2020

Canaveral Pilots Association (Canaveral Pilots) has partnered with naval architecture firms Glosten and Ray Hunt Design (Ray Hunt) on a pilot/demonstration project for the design, construction, and operation of an electric pilot boat. The boat will feature a battery-electric propulsion system with an emergency 'get home' diesel engine. Once in service, it will serve as one of two primary boats for supporting pilotage operations in Port Canaveral.

1

Article TRIEADRIEAME: Innovative Dutch design of tri-hull or Trimonoran

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 12 May 2020

A Dutch innovation of a Trimonoran introduces a whole new way of sailing: faster, safer, more comfortable and sustainable: A revolutionary breakthrough in the world of ship design.

0

Article Pilot’s safety: German Pilots launch new App

by René Hartung - published on 21 April 2023

Since 2022, there is a solution in Germany that helps pilots to report defects in pilot ladders or pilot transfer arrangements quickly and easily. The apps are available for Android & iOS.

3

Video Safety at Sea: Live Man Overboard (MOB) Drill on Pilot Boat Trais Leopard

published on 28 October 2026

🚤 Safety at sea starts with preparation. Our Marine Operations team recently carried out a live Man Overboard (MOB) drill using the new recovery platform on our pilot boat, Trais Leopard. Regular training exercises help ensure our equipment, procedures and crews are ready to respond effectively in an emergency. These drills are a vital part of maintaining the highest standards of marine safety and operational readiness. ⚓ Prepared. Practised. Ready to respond. #MarineSafety #ManOverboard...

1

Video Maritime Pilot Training VI - Pilot Ladder Training

published on 12 May 2021

Training video VI on the correct use of the pilot ladder

0

Article Operational notes & recommendations on Portable Pilot Units (PPU)

by United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association - published on 2 December 2021

OPERATIONAL NOTES AND RECOMMENDATIONS by UKMPA, February 2017
The introduction of modern lightweight Portable Pilot Units (PPU) for use during pilotage has proved to be another major advance for pilotage operations worldwide.

1

Video Harbor Pilot POV BSG BAHAMAS Inbound Port Everglades

published on 1 September 2026

Harbor Pilot POV BSG BAHAMAS Inbound Port Everglades.
Come with me as I board the BSG BAHAMAS 2 miles offshore and bring her safely to the dock in Port Everglades, FL. Ship is 850' long and 106' wide.
#harborpilot #ship #maritime #pilotboat #containership #job #porteverglades

1