Pilot launch meets growing demand

This latest investment will enable Briggs Marine to offer charter opportunities for pilot launches, a service where demand is currently outstripping supply. The company believes this will continue to grow as many ports struggle with ageing fleets.

“We are delighted to be providing Briggs with an ORC 121, which is a 12m long vessel. We have previously supplied ORC 171s and ORC 136s but this vessel is shorter, enabling it to be road transportable,” said Steven Pierce of Goodchild Marine, who will be manufacturing and delivering the vessel to Briggs Marine in 2023.

“The other benefit to this vessel, of course, is that the semi displacement hull design of the ORC is about 40% more fuel efficient than counterparts of similar size, helping to reduce emissions.”

Road transportable

The new pilot vessel has been designed to be road transportable, allowing Briggs Marine to be highly reactive to customers’ timescales and achieve greater fuel efficiency when transporting the vessel longer distances.

In the lead-up to celebrating its 50th anniversary, Briggs Marine continues to upgrade its assets and work towards reducing the environmental impact of the fleet.

“We are extremely pleased to confirm that Briggs Marine is continuing to invest in its fleet. This latest project will enable current and future customers more modern and efficient pilot launch options,” said Rob Baker, General Manager, Briggs Marine.

”This is the sixth pilot launch we’ve commissioned with Goodchild Marine in the last eight years. The first five vessels have enabled us to provide first-class pilot services in the port of Liverpool and this service is now extended to other customers through this charter opportunity.”

Other recent investments for Briggs Marine include a Crew Transfer Vessel in 2021, a new multipurpose workboat and three new line-handling vessels to support a range of customers.