Safehaven launches Maltese interceptor vessel
Safehaven Marine has launched an Interceptor 48 pilot vessel for the Malta Maritime Pilots, the 35th vessel of its type to enter into service and a sign of how well the company has become established in the market.
Juliet is the third pilot vessel supplied to Malta, the first of which being supplied in 2008 and in the intervening years Safehaven has built up a good relationship with the pilots and operator at Malta.
The vessel is powered by a pair of Scania DI13 500hp engines and ZF gearboxes providing the vessel with an operational speed of 25kts.
Juliet measures 15m LOA, with a 4.3m beam and 17,100kg lightship displacement and is designed for dual roles of crew transfer and pilotage.
Well equipped
To fulfil the ‘crew transfer’ operational requirement it has a seating capacity for up to 12 personnel or pilots and two crew accommodating up to 14 persons in the main cabin.
The Interceptor design also featuring a spacious forward cabin, which is comfortably fitted out with a galley, separate heads and electrical compartments and plenty of storage for passenger luggage with additional seating.
The pilots or passengers are well catered for with the vessel featuring a 27,000btu Dometic high capacity air conditioning unit fitted in the main cabin providing a comfortable environment, where all-round visibility is a key focus.
The pilot vessel is very heavily fendered with 150x150mm D section rubber main gunwale fendering augmented with Safehaven’s unique sacrificial shoulder fender system, ensuring pilot boarding’s in rough conditions are soft, with impacts well cushioned and the main fender and hull structure fully protected.
A full electronic radar, GPS sonar and VHF package supplied by Simrad comprising 15” and 12” displays positioned in an ergonomically designed st/bd side necessary to facilitate the additional seating space at a GRP helm console.
Safehaven is currently building an Interceptor 48 pilot vessel for the Port of Leixoes, its third Safehaven pilot and the second Pilot 48 for Svitzer due for delivery in September.
By Anne-Marie Causer
