Newhaven Harbour invests in a new build Pilot boat

Marine operations at Newhaven in East Sussex are set to benefit from a new pilot boat built by Goodchild Marine Services Limited who are one of the country’s leading boat builders.

The Great Yarmouth based company will construct an ORC 121 for the port to replace its ageing Halmatic 44.

Features include a beak bow hull design with minimal drag which allows it to reach speeds of up to 26 knots. The higher transit speeds, even in challenging conditions, will allow the craft to increase the overall efficiency of the pilot services for the port, as well as promote fuel savings and carbon reductions via the latest generation of engines. Whilst not forgetting crew safety, it comes with their internationally renowned Man Overboard Platform as standard.

Steve Pierce, General Manager for Goodchild Marine said: “We continue to focus our designs on the needs of UK ports as their requirements change considering that ships visiting UK ports are getting ever bigger along with changes to environmental legislation”.

Capt. Dave Collins-Williams, Port Manager & Harbour Master at Newhaven Port & Properties Ltd said: “Making the right choice when replacing a Pilot Vessel is so important and this ORC 121 pilot vessel has been chosen as a perfect replacement for our current pilot boat which has provided many years of good service. It is an investment that we are confident will enhance our operations and secure the efficiency and safety of the pilotage service here at Newhaven for many years to come”.

The boat will enter service at Newhaven Port in December 2024.