US boatbuilder Vigor has expanded its growing portfolio of international sales with the delivery of two, 19m all-weather pilot boats, designed by Camarc Design, Ltd., UK, to The Port of Duqm Company (PDC), SAOC, Sultanate of Oman.
The Port has been undergoing a major multiphase expansion and the new pilot boats will play a key role in ensuring the safety of vessels calling on the port.
“This is an important delivery for us,” said Keith Whittemore, Vigor Executive Vice President of Business Development. “PDC is a world class, state-of-the-art Port with a major commitment to quality and safety. Our team was honored to be chosen to help PDC achieve the objective of setting the new standard for pilot boats in the Middle East.”
Designed by Camarc Design, Ltd., UK, and built at Vigor’s Ballard facility (formerly Kvichak Marine), the vessels not only function as pilot boats but also as search and rescue and oil spill recovery vessels. The all-aluminum vessels are powered by twin Cummins QSK-19 marine diesel engines rated for 800hp @ 2100 rpm each and twin ZF 2000A transmissions driving NiBrAl 5-bladed fixed propellers providing an operating speed of ~20 knots. The pilot boats need to offer outstanding performance and safety in the harshest weather, particularly due to the high winds and stormy seas experienced in southern Oman during "Hareef" (typhoon) season.
“With the arrival of the new pilot boats, Port of Duqm Company is preparing for the next level of professionalism and safety towards its customers,” said Wim Aertbelien, PDC Harbor Master and Chief Pilot. “Port of Duqm Company is determined to continue to maintain a close and solid relationship with the Vigor shipyard.”
Beyond North American sales, over the years Vigor has successfully delivered vessels throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and South America. The delivery of the Duqm pilot boats expands Vigor’s Middle East presence and helps further an international strategy in specialised commercial markets and foreign military sales.
Vessel Specifications:
* Length, overall: 62.3’ (19.0m)
* Beam, overall: 19.7’ (6.0m)
* Draft, operating: ~3.0’ (.91m)
* Fuel Capacity: 1050gal (3975 l)
* Fresh Water Capacity: 66 gal (250 l)
* Onan 50 kW Genset
* Palfinger PK11001MC deck crane
* Popsure fender system
* Lamor MSRm1411 manual boom reel
* Lamor Minimax 60 oil skimming system
* Lamor GTA 70 transfer pump
* Lamor LPP 38 hydraulic power unit
* Furuno navigation package
* Seating: 2 crew, 8 pilots
By Jake Frith
