ABP welcomes first of nine new pilot launches

Earlier this month, Associated British Ports (ABP) received the first of its nine new Orc pilot launch vessels from boat builder Goodchild Marine Services.

Named Ouse, the pilot boat, delivered to the Port of Grimsby, is the first of five for ABP Humber. Three boats head to ABP Southampton in 2022 and one to ABP South Wales in 2023.

The remaining vessels are being built in Norfolk, with much of the supply chain also coming from East Anglia.

Ouse is the first pilot boat built, and entering service, in the UK to be fitted with an IMO Tier III compliant engine complete with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). These MAN engines, supplied by PME Group of Plymouth, are said to help reduce emissions by using the latest technology.

Other features onboard include a Man Overboard Recovery Platform, air conditioning, suspension seating and a resiliently mounted wheelhouse, said to reduce vibration, impact, and noise when at sea.

“We are delighted with our new Orc pilot boat vessel from Goodchild Marine,” says Mike McCartain, ABP’s group director for safety, engineering and marine. “The outstanding build quality, safety and environmental features are the hallmark of this superb British boat building company. This vessel is the second in our modernised ABP fleet, and we very much look forward to our next eight boats over the next few years.”

General manager Goodchild Marine Services, Stephen Pierce comments: “Our aim is to deliver the highest quality pilot boats, which provide a safe, comfortable, reliable and efficient vessel. This ensures the best possible working space for the boat crews, pilots and the maintainers.”