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...

Article Humphree stabilization for Louisiana Pilots

published on 16 November 2020

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, La., has ordered a Chesapeake-class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Massachusetts-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

1

Article Maryland Pilots Places Order for Another Baltimore Class Launch from

published on 26 May 2023

The Association of Maryland Pilots has ordered a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation.

0

Article Safehaven Marine To Build Third Pilot Vessel for Port of Cork

published on 3 February 2023

The Port of Cork company has ordered a new pilot vessel from boat builders, Safehaven Marine based in Youghal.

1

Video San Francisco Harbor Pilot

published on 5 August 2025

0

Video DFDS Pilot transfer

published on 29 October 2025

0

Article Human Error in Pilotage Operations

published on 3 December 2024

This article was first published back in September 2021: Pilotage operations require close interaction between human and machines. This complex sociotechnical system is necessary to safely and efficiently maneuver a vessel in constrained waters.

0

Video Port of Port Arthur Terminal 4K

published on 18 October 2020

The sun was out and was a beautiful day, I was searching for a light house in the area and there was one in Cameron, La. I started my way to the light house not thinking how bad Cameron was hard hit by two hurricanes. After a few dozen downed power poles I was met with the National Guard and the Po Po. Needless to say I turned around and I had passed the port so I decided to drone this area. Not a bad place and a ship was being assisted by two pilot boats. I never tire with maritime...

0

Video Amazing drone video: Berthing a 230m Bulker in Puerto Brisas (Colombia)

published on 5 April 2020

Using two, 66TBP tugs to assist in berthing the 90,000 GT bulker “Jin Weng Feng”. The port is “Puerto Brisas” at La Guajira, Colombia. The vessel is turned to port just outside the berth limits due to limited room in the basin with enough depth. Then she’s backed in.

0

Article AIS Hub for Pilot Boats - Eight Pilots simultaneously

by TRENZ GmbH - published on 25 November 2024

TRENZ VEGA - Up to eight pilots simultaneously shall be provided with an AIS data stream in a pilot boat with information for their next assignment.

2

Video Transport maritime : le rôle crucial des pilotes du St-Laurent

published on 17 October 2022

Toutes les 40 minutes, un pilote du Saint-Laurent embarque à bord d'un navire de commerce qui transite entre Montréal et Québec. 230 pilotes sont chargés de guider les embarcations dans la voie maritime : une des plus dangereuses au monde. Un métier essentiel à l'économie du Québec, qui est payant, mais qui vient avec son lot de contraintes et de stress. Catherine François nous amène à bord d'un porte-conteneur qui sillonne le fleuve. Le reportage de Catherine François au #TJ18H -- Rendez-...

1