Article

Port of Southampton holds naming ceremony for pilot launch Mayflower


published on 25 May 2022 296 -

ABP’s Port of Southampton has officially named its brand-new pilot launch, Mayflower. In a ceremony that took place in the port’s eastern docks on 20 May 2022, members of the port’s marine team were joined by the vessel’s Godmother, Heidi Olden, and Sailors’ Society’s Port Chaplin, Frans Sahetapy, to name and bless Mayflower before she goes into service next month.

Mayflower, whose name pays homage to the Pilgrim Fathers’ iconic ship’s connection to Southampton, is the first of three new launches for ABP’s Southampton region, and one of nine across ABP’s ports, representing a total investment of around £9m. Each of these faster, more fuel-efficient vessels delivers an approximate 40% fuel saving through an innovative forward ‘beak’ and double chine hull design that enables the vessel to cut through the waves. The vessels are constructed in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, by Goodchild Marine. Mayflower will join the current fleet of launches at the ABP pilot station in Gosport and be used to safely transport Southampton pilots to and from large ships entering and leaving the port.

The ship’s Godmother, Heidi Olden, is married to ABP Southampton’s Marine Services Supervisor Gary Olden and spent over a decade working in maritime, as well as “20 years putting up with my shifts,” says Gary. Naming the boat, Heidi said: “It is my great honour to name Mayflower. May all who sail in her and stay safe and prosper.” In his blessing, Reverend Frans Sahetapy from Sailors’ Society, which offers support to seafarers around the world, asked for protection for “this vessel, those who built her and those who will serve upon her.”

ABP Southampton Harbour Master, Steve Masters, says: “We are very grateful to Heidi and Frans for joining us for this special occasion as we welcome Mayflower to our fleet and look forward to seeing her in action safely transporting our pilots this summer.”
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Warsash Maritime Academy: a history of change

published on 24 May 2022

From Stoneham to St Mary's, discover how Warsash Maritime Academy has evolved over the decades - and how our heritage and values have steered generations of cadets into successful careers.
For more information about Warsash Maritime Academy, visit http://www.warsashacademy.co.uk/home.aspx

0

Video History: Pilot Cutter (1953)

published on 18 May 2020

Southampton, Hampshire. Various shots of Trinity House pilot cutter "Penda". M/S pilot's bridge. M/S as Second Officer Harry Goddard leaves the bridge and walks along the deck to his cabin. He takes his cap off, sits down at a table and looks at an album. C/U of his collection of matchbox labels. M/S Goddard sticking in more labels. C/U's Goddard and album. Various shots as he sticks in the labels. M/S of Pilot Knight and Captain Jolliff seated at desk. A waiter enters their cabin and...

0

Video Abeking & Rasmussen SWATH Technology

published on 3 June 2020

Abeking Rasmussen
The shipyard has been developing and building ships for navies, coastguards, the public sector, ship operators and private customers since 1907. In addition to sailing- and motoryachts, current products include minesweepers and --hunters, patrol boats plus special ships like research and supply ships for the offshore industry.
With SWATH@A&R technology Abeking & Rasmussen developed a type of ship with exceptional seakeeping capabilities that provides a stable working...

0

Video Pilot Boat DEURLOO (Westerschelde Vlissingen - NL), Access to Antwerp

published on 30 May 2025

Pilot Boat in Action
Westerschelde Vlissingen NL
Access to Antwerpen

0

Article Gladding-Hearn Delivers New Launch to Maryland Pilots

published on 23 April 2021

The Association of Maryland Pilots took delivery of its fourth Chesapeake class launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation.

Since the Chesapeake class pilot boat was introduced by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 2003, 22 have been delivered to 12 pilot associations throughout the United States.

1

Video Pilot boat catches fire in Brazil

published on 17 January 2022

A pilot boat caught fire near the entrance of the Port of Recife, on Saturday morning (15 January). The fire would have started around 11h. In a note, the port authority explained that the two people who were in the pilot boat were rescued by another pilot boat "Serrambi".
The causes of the accident had not yet been identified, but would be investigated.

0

Video Dunkerque Port: One Day Work

published on 16 November 2021

Port of Dunkerque: A typical working day in the Port of Dunkerque East.
Views of the Port of Dunkerque East and its daily maritime traffic.


Towing: Tugs from Boluda Dunkerque

0

Video New podded cruise ship at Port Revel

published on 24 October 2019

A new 1:25 cruise ship manned model, the "Voyager", was added to our fleet in 2014. She is 311 m long and is fitted with 2 azimuthing pods (and one Fixipod) and powerful bow thrusters. Training is conducted in emergency conditions like engine failures, crash stops, tight turns ...

0

Video Niugini Pilots Limited Profile Video OFFICIAL

published on 6 January 2021

Niugini Pilots Limited is Papua New Guinean owned Marine Pilotage company operating in Papua New Guinea that was established by our Chief Pilot and Managing Director, Captain Max Taikika Stoessel.
This video highlights our company's work and operations on a daily basis with a short interview with Capt. Max.

0