Safehaven Marine's new pilot vessel for the Port of St Malo began with negotiations some 18months ago when Eric Geille visited Safehaven’s yard in Ireland and trialed the then recently launched pilot boat for the Port of Cork and was favourably impressed. He began working closely with Safehaven’s designer Frank Kowalski on seeking plan approval for the design through Bureau Veritas and working on an engineering specification that would conform to the stringent and tough French Marine Marchande rules, Divisions 222 and 236 for pilot boats.

To this end the vessel has a very high specification. A bilge and fire pump system with multiple redundancies is built into the design, all completed in 316 grade stainless steel. Fourian pumps, continuously coupled with drip feed water lubrication, are close coupled without pulley’s to the front of the engine, the system operated through two manifolds distributing water flow and regulation.

There is a full triple zone fire detection system and CO2 extinguishing system, with fireproofing to full A6 and bulkhead protection with 100mm of Rockwool totally lining the engine compartment. The sound absorbing properties of Rockwool also serve to reduce noise levels to 75db at 18 knots and 78db at 20 knots, resulting in a very relaxed crew environment.

The level of internal fit out is to a very high standard, with wood effect laminate used on all internal surfaces and teak joinery throughout. Four Gramer compressed air suspension seats are fitted for pilots, one of which has a table in front as a work station.

The vessel is powered by twin 13 litre, 500 hp Iveco engines driving through Twin Disc 5114 Quick Shift gearboxes to provide a maximum speed of 24 knots. The Quick Shift feature has proved very successful, providing infinite control during close quarter maneuvering. The vessel had a lightship displacement of 15,700 kg and a fully loaded displacement of 18,000 kg. The fuel capacity was increased with larger tanks to 2,000 litres capacity. Additional fit out features include interlocks on the raw water sea cocks, with dual feed to either engine.

The fuel system included a recalculating system running the fuel through diesel bug filters and allowing multiple fuel flow combinations. The electrical fit out was carried out by Paul Brewer (PB Electrical) and was in full conformity with French maritime regulations, featuring a dual pole system with battery charger, AC shore power, and 2000W inverter, all supplied through separate dedicated panels containing comprehensive electrical instrumentation and gauges. Engine room ventilation is provided by a 550mm diameter continuous rated fan drawn through Munter’s ‘mist eliminator’ ventilation boxes.

The vessel is fitted with adjustable interceptor plates allowing trim optimization. They are highly effective whilst also being completely protected from damage. Safehaven’s MOB system is fitted, providing easy recovery of persons from the water and also allowing floating debris to be lifted.

The vessel has proved a complete success and has generated substantial interest at other French pilot stations, with an order already secured with the Port of Bayonne on the south coast of France.

Safehaven Marine is currently undergoing a further expansion into new and larger premises in Co Cork which will allow the builder to consolidate operations. Safehaven is currently building second pilot boats for the Port of Dublin and the Port of Portland plus two additional pilot boats for European ports in Malta and Portugal.