Introducing the *new* Pilot boat Golden Gate!

Introducing the new Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) professional platform – the next evolution in our fully integrated helm-to-propeller experience. Targeted for 2025, this groundbreaking innovation offers unparalleled comfort, performance, and sustainability for a new class of marine vessels.

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Join us as we take a pilot 5 miles out to sea to meet a huge 80,000 ton oil tanker arriving outside Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia!

Matthias Meyer was head of the Bremerhaven port pilots, nautical expert and lecturer at maritime schools. In front of our camera, he voices what has long been a topic of discussion in shipping circles: that the 400-meter container ships have simply become too big for the narrow shipping channels of the Weser and Elbe. In his view, a serious accident is only a matter of time. We take a look at how the district is dealing with these giants and what politicians, BUND and shipowners have to say...

Experience the sheer power and precision of port operations as a 400-metre container ship — one of the largest vessels to visit the Port of Southampton — requires a fourth tugboat to safely dock. Captured in stunning 4K drone footage, this video highlights the incredible teamwork between pilots and tugs as they guide this giant into position. 📍 Location: Port of Southampton, UK 🚢 Vessel Type: Ultra Large Container Ship (400m class) ⚓ Tugboats: Four assisting tugs 🎥 Filmed in: 4K Ultra...

Correct method of rigging pilot ladder explained.
As explained, a large number of reports related to the use of pilot ladders which are too long relative to the vessel’s draughts. As a result, the excessively long ladders require shortening up before being deployed for boarding pilots. In these cases, ship crew shortens the pilot ladders, using D-shackles to choke the side ropes at the required height along the ladder’s length. In this method, the D-shackle is first secured to a hard point...

Article and pictures by Captain W J M Hargreaves, Retired Southampton Pilot

MPA 7 and MPA 8 are our latest 15m Pilot Boat built for the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore.

Traffic has began to become congested and slowed due to specialized river pilots being mandated to quarantine due to Covid-19 regulations when returning from duties along China’s Yangtze which happens to be the longest river in East Asia.