The 16m design for the Port of Tyne is similar to other Camarc designed boats in operation for PD Teesport and Falmouth Harbour Commissioners but these boats are constructed in GRP, hence the Tyne boat will be the first in the UK built in aluminium.

This hull structure is derived from that for 16m aluminium pilot boats in service with Sandy Hook Pilots of New York USA, four of which entered into service between 2000-2004. Around the world there are a large number of authorities that have been operating Camarc designed aluminium pilot boats for a great number of years, including the Dutch Pilots.

All Camarc pilot boats share the same general type of hull form whether constructed of steel, aluminium or GRP. This double chine form gives a finer entry than conventional chine boats whilst retaining the roll stability of that hull type. The result is a fast vessel with excellent seakeeping properties.

For Mustang Marine, the process of procuring this order began last autumn when the Port of Tyne commenced a competitive process. A number of designs were thoroughly assessed and a number were trialed, including the Teesport boat, which impressed with its seakeeping in similar conditions to those which are experienced at the Port of Tyne..

At the end of a hard fought competition, the order for the Tyne boat went to Mustang Marine. Designed for a minimum service life of 15 years, the structure exceeds the requirements of Lloyds Register Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft and the vessel will comply with the MCA Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code Category 3.

To further augment the durability qualities of aluminium, the proven structural design will be allied with a Popsure fendering system supplied by Trelleborg CRP, also as proven on the Tees and Falmouth boats.

Construction is due to start shortly, with Mustang Marine using the latest version of their Ship Constructor to develop the aluminium kit in-house. The vessel will be fitted with the same Scania DI16 42M engines already in service on the GRP vessels. The engines will be rated 525 hp at 1,800 rpm and drive through Twin Disc MGX 5114 SC Quickshift gearboxes,.

This first example of a 'mainstream' aluminium pilot boat will be one of the star attractions when it appears at Seawork International 2008 in Southampton next summer.