VIDEO: How ‘Baia’ beat the waves

Calling Baia a cutting-edge pilot vessel, Safehaven Marine carried out sea trials during the recent Storm Isha for P&O Maritime’s operations in Maputo, Mozambique.

It is the fourth time Safehaven has worked with P&O to deliver its Pilot 48 model, which it says is now operating in 12 countries worldwide. Baia is the 59th pilot vessel the company has built.

Powered by a pair of MAN D2676 500hp engines, complemented by ZF gearboxes and conventional shaft drive, the vessel has an operational speed of 25 knots and seating for seven. The main cabin has a central helm position, ensuring optimal visibility and control during alongside ship pilot transfers.

“Safety remains a top priority for Safehaven Marine, evident in the incorporation of our MOB recovery system on the transom, facilitating efficient casualty recovery in MOB situations,” the firm says. “The vessel is equipped with a gyroscopically stabilized FLIR Thermal camera and a four zone CCTV camera system, enhancing situational awareness for the crew. Convenient recessed deck lifting eyes facilitate easy maintenance by enabling the vessel to be lifted from the water when necessary.”

Baia is heavily fendered, featuring Safehaven’s sacrificial shoulder fender system, which protects the main boarding area and cushions against potential impacts in adverse weather. The larger fender creates a convenient gap for the ship’s boarding ladder when alongside, while the bow area is also robustly fendered for bow boarding and occasional small ship pushing operations.