UK port names latest pilot boat

During the day, guests were also provided with a chance to view the 12-metre vessel up close as well as enjoy a first-hand experience with a trip around the harbour.

The Port of Lowestoft hosted this official naming ceremony to launch its new state of-the-art Goodchild Marine pilot boat, the Kingfisher, which represents an investment of £670,000 in port equipment.

This latest addition to ABP’s Lowestoft fleet, in combination with new pontoons and facilities for the boat, brings ABP’s total investment in equipment and infrastructure at the Port of Lowestoft in recent months to £800,000.

“The new vessel provides the combination of speed, significantly improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety standards and features compared with previous models and we are proud to use the engineering knowhow and innovation from a skilled local manufacturer. By investing in our capabilities, we make sure that the Port of Lowestoft stays up-to-date and can continue to offer the very best services available to our customers.

Goodchild Marine is a Norfolk-based, family-owned business, commissioned by ABP to build the new pilot boat in October 2018. Alan Goodchild, Managing Director of Goodchild, was also a guest of honour on the day. Alan Goodchild, Goodchild Marine Services Limited, said: “It’s been a privilege to continue our long-standing relationship with ABP and The Port of Lowestoft, having built the last pilot boat Osprey nearly 25 years ago”.

By Jake Frith