Pilot boat launched at Belfast Harbour

Built by Holyhead Marine Services, the vessel replaces PB4, which is the oldest pilot boat in the harbour with 24 years’ service.

“The new Hibernia has a lightweight, resin-infused hull and refined shape to make it more fuel efficient hull design and engines that are able to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, helping to reduce carbon emissions from pilot boat operations,” said a statement. “It is also believed that it will be the first pilot vessel on the island of Ireland equipped with a selective catalytic reduction exhaust system, which reduces nitrous oxide emissions.”

William Ritchie started shipbuilding in the city in 1791, on the site of the future Harbour Office.

Within a year, the 300 tonne Hibernia was launched, which began trading between Belfast, New York and the Caribbean. More than 230 years later, the second Hibernia has been named.

“We wanted to purchase a vessel that would advance and improve the resilience of this mission-critical service,” said Belfast Harbour port director Michael Robinson. “Our crew and engineers worked closely with the Holyhead Marine from the outset as the project progressed from design through to delivery.”

Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour, was named godmother at the traditional naming ceremony.