Friday 9 January 09 - 05:19
 

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First 55 pilot for Port of Sines

Following an international tender last year, Ireland's Safehaven Marine, builders of the Interceptor range of pilot boats, was awarded the contract to supply an all weather pilot boat to the Port of Sines in Portugal.
The first Interceptor 55 pilot boat will sail from Ireland to Portugal in January.
The first Interceptor 55 pilot boat will sail from Ireland to Portugal in January.

Safehaven's new Interceptor 55 model was chosen, a 16m pilot boat based on their very successful Interceptor 42 model and featuring the same deep 'V' twin chine hull that provides excellent performance and seakeeping. The Interceptor 55 was decided upon following the success of the first of class 55, the patrol/passenger vessel 'Orca II' featured in a Maritime Journal Vessel Launch in January and now operating successfully off the wild west coast of Scotland for owner Angus Cambell.

The Port of Sines' vessel differs in being of heavier build and displacement, with an aft configuration to the wheelhouse. Safehaven's modular mould design allows each model to have several different possible configurations, chosen to suit the particular vessel's intended operational requirements.

 The Sines boat is powered by Scania D16 V8 diesel engines rated at 650hp and running through Twin Disc 5114 QuickShift gearboxes with stern gear comprised of 58mm F51 duplex shafts turning 28" four blade props supplied by Clements Engineering. The vessel has an operational speed of 25 knots on a 24,500kg displacement and low noise levels, with readings recorded in the wheelhouse of only 76db at that speed.

Heavy duty rubber fendering supplied by Avon Rubber protects the hull with substantial 150x200mm fendering along the gunwale, with numerous diagonals and a lower run along the second chine just above the waterline. The bow is rounded, allowing the fender to wrap around in a continuous run. The pilot boarding area is wide, spacious and uncluttered, providing a safe working area for pilot and crew. All benefit from the raised sheerline and flared bow which keeps decks dry and safe.

There is a high level of fit out throughout the craft, with the large wheelhouse enabling the combination of seating for six pilots on CAB hydraulic sprung seats  with a VIP area in the aft section of the cabin, comprised of a comfortable dinette with seating for six and a table and a 6' worktop opposite with substantial locker space incorporated. There is also a huge forward accommodation area as a result of placing the engines centrally under the wheelhouse.

A centrally positioned helm gives the coxswain clear uninterrupted vision to both port and starboard. Large side and overhead windows, all double glazed to prevent misting, assist visibility when alongside ships. The helm position has been especially designed to provide a focused and ergonomically efficient operator's environment, allowing the coxswain to take full advantage of the Interceptor design's responsive handling.

This newbuild will be delivered by sea to Portugal in January across the Bay of Biscay. It is a daunting prospect during which her crew will no doubt appreciate her sea keeping abilities.

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