Vessel launch: ‘Izurdia’ extends Safehaven’s success in Europe

Bertrand Moutard of the Bayonne pilots syndicate ordered his new pilot boat shortly after Eric Geille from St Malo Pilots took delivery of his Interceptor 42 pilot vessel from Safehaven in 2008. Izurdia is very similar in specification.

Working closely with Bayonne pilots, Safehaven has incorporated some unique changes to the design which include a storage hold on the port side of the superstructure incorporating a Jason’s cradle. Stored in this compartment, it can be quickly deployed over the side and recovered via a winch/pulley system mounted on the cabin roof.

Another new feature is the pilot boarding ladders. Safehaven again sought to design a functional yet aesthetically pleasing solution to maximizing pilot safety during the often dangerous boarding procedures a pilot undertakes.

The vessel is fitted out to the very highest standards for pilot vessels. The cabin is fully lined in vinyl and features gloss black laminates contrasting with an etched aluminium laminate to provide a very contemporary design.

There is Grammar air suspension seating for pilots and crew, providing a comfortable ride which is further enhanced by very low noise levels of only 74db.

Izurdia has an operational speed of 22 knots, delivered by twin Volvo D12 engines at a continuous heavy duty rating of 500hp through Twin Disc 5114sc QuickShift gearboxes turning five blade propellers supplied by Clements Engineering. This package provides effortless control in closer quarter maneuvers due to the trolling feature which gives slow speed control down to less than three knots.

The specification also includes an Enag 3.5kw alternator providing a full charge at tick over. Engine heaters run from a 240v shore power supply and a ring circuit. There is also a battery charger, 2000w inverter, dual navigation lights and mimic boards.

Izurdia is fitted with Raymarine high definition digital radar and GPS plotter on twin 12” screens as well as twin Sailor VHF radios with repeaters at the pilot seats and closed circuit cameras monitoring the engine room.

The vessel was built to Bureau Veritas approved plans under their survey and constructed in accordance with the requirements of all the French Marine Marchande rules,including Divisions 222 + 236.

Izurdia is fully fendered throughout and fitted with Safehaven’s unique sacrificial shoulder fender, now fully proven over two years in service on previous vessels. It provides excellent protection for the vessel during boarding, is durable, and economical to replace when worn.

Safehaven vessels are renowned for exceptional seakeeping, which was well demonstrated during sea trials with the owner on board in a force 8 gale which was generating 5m seas.

Bertrand Moutard was most impressed with his new vessel, saying, ‘At Bayonne we have a dangerous bar where the Atlantic swells can reach over 10m in height, and we needed a vessel with exceptional seakeeping to safely navigate the bar. This is why we chose an Interceptor.’

Safehaven Marine has recently signed contracts to supply two of these Interceptor 42 pilot boats to the Portuguese Ports of Averio and Figueira. The order comes after Safehaven supplied an Interceptor 55 pilot boats to the Port of Sines.. That vessel, Atlantida Azul,, has been in service ever since and the Port of Sines is more than satisfied. One happy customer in Portugal has led to Safehaven winning the international tender to supply the two latest vessels ordered.

The first vessel will be delivered in March 2010, with the second vessel following in May. Both will be powered by Volvo D9 engines rated at 425hp for an operational speed of 20 knots.

Safehaven is currently building pilot vessels for the French port of Bordeaux as well as Roenne in Denmark. The company has become established as one of Europe’s leading pilot boat builders, having supplied ten such vessels to ports throughout Europe in the last three years.