Photo by Williams Shipping
Williams Shipping has added a new vessel to its port-service fleet in the Solent, UK as demand rises in the maritime hub.
Willfreedom is a fast launch and pilot vessel built by Safehaven Marine, Ireland which will be ready for service June 2022.
This 15-m, Interceptor-48 design vessel has a free running speed of 26 knots from two Scania D13 070M engines, each developing 745 kW of power and driving two fixed-pitch propellers through ZF400 transmission.
It is classed to the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Cat 2 for operating 60 nautical miles with up to 10 passengers and as a pilot boat. It has a shallow draught of 1.3 m and a beam of 4.4 m.
Willfreedom will be used to transfer crew and pilots to ships in the Solent waiting to enter Southampton and Portsmouth ports.
Williams Shipping managing director for marine Philip Williams said at Seawork Willfreedom could be retrofitted with hybrid propulsion and alternative sources of power in the future.
Riviera Maritime Media went on board Willfreedom as it was moored at the Seawork 2022 event, held 22 June in Southampton, UK.
It has a Poguro 5C generator producing 6.5 kW at 1,500 rpm. The electrical system is 24 V direct current and it has a 220 V shore supply.
On the bridge of Willfreedom are Raymarine radar, multipurpose displays, GPS, AIS and sonar. Icom supplied the VHF fixed and handheld communications equipment and Flir supplied the thermal imaging camera and emergency beacons.
Williams operates a fleet of seven multipurpose towing workboats, three harbour tugs, three fast launches, two safety boats and four barges.
