Fast aluminium pilot boats for Mississippi

Designed in-house by Metal Shark and built at the company’s Jeanerette, Louisiana production facility, Jet 1 and Jet 2 are 45-foot welded aluminium Defiant-class monohull pilothouse vessels featuring an extensively proven hull design. The vessels feature a unique deck arrangement designed for pilots and customized to meet BCMT’s specific requirements.

Like all of Metal Shark’s Defiant-class pilot boats, the climate-controlled pilothouses of BCMT’s new vessels feature Metal Shark’s signature “Pillarless Glass” for significantly improved visibility, in a reverse-raked arrangement developed specifically for pilot operations. Visibility is further augmented by the vessel’s elevated, centreline helm position, and large overhead skylights that provide upward visibility while approaching and operating alongside moving ships.

Designed in close collaboration with the client, the new vessels feature a unique rooftop pilot boarding arrangement with retractable platforms allowing for both port and starboard pilot boardings. Lower forward port and starboard platforms and integrated foredeck stairwell, all with carefully-placed grab rails, allow for safe and secure transfer in the widest possible range of scenarios.

Powered by twin Cummins Marine QSM11 diesel engines coupled with Hamilton HJ322 waterjets, Jet 1 and Jet 2 deliver a cruise speed in excess of 30 knots and a top speed in the 40 knot range. A urethane-sheathed, closed-cell foam Wing collar provides durable and resilient fendering. Shock-mitigating seating has been provided for a crew of five, and anti-fatigue floor covering has been provided in the pilothouse and the belowdecks crew spaces. Additional features include a galley, enclosed head compartment, v-berth, and large walk-in mid-cabin storage compartment.

By Jake Frith