Safehaven delivers Skua for Liverpool
Skua has impressed everyone at the Port of Liverpool since its delivery in April.
Ireland’s Safehaven Marine has launched the new Interceptor 48 pilot vessel Skua for the Port of Liverpool.
The vessel was ordered in 2010 following a stiff international tendering process and was delivered on schedule in April, since when it has been universally praised by all involved at the Port of Liverpool.
Skua is the second of Safehaven Marine’s Interceptor 48 pilot vessels to be built, following Quinoa, delivered to the Port of Bordeaux last year. It is the 17th pilot vessel built by Safehaven and is seen on this month’s front cover alongside Safehaven's first pilot vessel, Gleann Mor, an Interceptor 42 which was built for the Port of Cork in 2005.
Skua is powered by twin Volvo D12 500hp engines driving propellers through Twin Disc 5114 SC QuickShift gearboxes to providing the vessel with an operational speed of 24 knots. The 14.5m LOA vessel has a 4.3m beam and displaces 18,000 kg.
Skua has a seating capacity for seven pilots and two crew. Five air suspension Grammer pilot seats are fitted in the main cabin, with a further two in the forward cabin, which is very luxuriously fitted out with a full galley, four person dinette, and a separate heads compartment.
The pilots are well catered for, with the vessel featuring air conditioning with high level outlets throughout the main cabin providing a comfortable environment. Double glazing on all windows ensures good visibility is maintained at all times without the usual problems of misting in poor conditions.
A very high level of fit out has been undertaken, with teak and holly cabin soles, walnut formica laminates and trimming to ensure Skua provides a luxurious working environment, which is augmented by very low noise levels of just 75dB.
Skua is very heavily fendered with 150mm by 150mm D section rubber main gunwale fendering augmented with Safehaven's unique sacrificial shoulder fender system. This ensures that pilot boardings in rough conditions are soft, with impacts well cushioned to leave the main fender and hull structure fully protected. Multiple diagonals and a lower run further protect the vessel. Additional fendering at the rounded bow allows the vessel to be used for occasional 'pushing' duties to assist pilots in small ship manoeuvres.
A full electronic package supplied by Raymarine, based around the E 140/120 series displays, is positioned flush in a GRP 'wrap around' helm console which gives the helmsman excellent command of the vessel. All displays are clearly sited, as Safehaven's usual attention to detail has provided the utmost comfort and visibility for the helmsman.
Other features are a Dometic 240V, 3.5kW alternator powered by one of the engines, allowing onboard 240V supplies when underway. MOB recovery is carried out by a further refinement of Safehaven's tried and tested transom operated recovery platform, allowing an injured pilot to be safely recovered from the sea even if unconscious. Special stainless rear view mirrors were developed by Safehaven at the port’s request and prove very useful during boarding manoeuvres. A Hadrian safety rail is also provided.
Electro hydraulic trim flaps, fully protected in a recess moulded under the transom, provide control over running trim, allowing the bow to be lowered for punching through steep head seas. This is something the Safehaven's 48 is naturally adept at, maintaining the reputation all Safehaven built pilot boats have established for dealing with the harshest sea conditions. That reputation was contributory to Safehaven winning the contract. Skua has subsequently been well tested in 4m waves and found to be very relaxed and comfortable in a seaway.
Safehaven Marine is currently building a second 14.5m pilot vessel at its Cork factory for Malta, four 11.5m pilot boats for the Azores, and a 16m pilot vessel for Yemen, as it continues to be one of Europe's most successful pilot boat builders.
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