New pilot boats for Alu Marine

The new range has been developed in partnership with the Geronimo Naval Design office and Volvo Penta. Alu Marine recently presented the first model of the series, the Alu Marine 1200. The boat’s specifications have been thoroughly analysed to ensure optimal performance and reliability, while reducing running costs, fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions.

The Alu Marine 1200 has been assigned to embark the Baie de Seine pilots on board merchant ships sailing upstream to Rouen.

Elodie Verdan, marketing and communication representative, Alu Marine, told Maritime Journal: “All boats of the range are equipped with last-generation Volvo IPS Pods propulsion system. So it means better performances and reliability.”

She added: “This type of engine is not common on work boats, but the IPS propulsion system offers many assets for professionals : high speed, excellent manoeuvrability, very good stability – very important for the pilots – and low consumption.This revolutionary system offers to date the best propeller propulsion efficiency for a vessel of this size sailing at this speed. We are currenlty working with other pilots on other models but it is not finalised yet.”

The latest vessel which entered into service on the river Seine in April 2012, measures 12m and has a service speed capability of 30 knots. It has been equipped with a Volvo IPS Pod propulsion system, making it a robust, economical vessel to run and maintain.

Alu Marine Shipyard’s new range of five pilot boats, measuring from 12m to 18m, has been adapted to needs and sailing conditions of the pilots.