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 Is this a dangerous manoeuvre in a Pilot Boat?

published on 26 October 2020

Editors note: A film of a pilot boat has just been published on YouTube with the title "How Dangerous being in a Pilot Boat..." on YouTube. I'm not sure if this really shows a dangerous maneuver, maybe the experts can comment on it here.
But in principle it is problematic to approach the ship in such a small Pilot Boat in the wake from astern and cross the waves there. I remember an accident from Finland in December 2017 where the boat capsized and people died. Is this situation shown here...

1

Video Pilot Boat Mouth of River Boyne

published on 28 February 2022

Pilot Boat Mouth of River Boyne - Escorting ship towards the port - Friday 25th February 2022

0

Article Vessel Review | Celso Madeira – Fast, All-Weather Pilot Boat For Portugal’s Sines Port

published on 29 March 2022

Original article published on Baird Maritime

Irish builder Safehaven Marine has delivered a new pilot boat ordered by the Port of Sines in southwestern Portugal near the country’s capital of Lisbon.

0

Video DanPilot Embarking

published on 7 August 2024

0

Video Pilot Boat in Port of Tyne

published on 10 April 2025

Join me behind the scenes aboard the pilot boat as we guide the cruise ship Borealis out of the River Tyne and welcome a colossal vehicle carrier into port. In this video, you'll get an up-close look at the challenging conditions at sea, including a rough water pilot transfer as we safely land the pilot onboard. Experience the scale of these incredible vessels and see the precision teamwork it takes to keep everything running smoothly, even in heavy seas. From the stunning departure of the...

0

Video Unberthing VIMC Diamond

published on 28 February 2025

Unberthing VIMC Diamond 2nd time #ship #vessel #containership #cruise #trending #marinelife #pilot

0

Video Berthing "Champion Ebony" in Palm Oil Jetty Bintulu Port

published on 1 August 2020

One tug swing maneuvring for 180mtrs vessel #pilot #harbourpilot #tugs #bintulu #bintuluport #biport #biportbulkers #maritime

0

Video Wärtsilä Pilot PRO working with TRENZ Pilot Plug

published on 30 August 2019

This video shows how to use the TRENZ Pilot Plug with an iPad and the app Wärtsilä Pilot PRO.

0