![International Bulk Journal](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/international-bulk-journal.png)
![Menu](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/showmobnav-bg.png)
(Posted on 12/07/24)
Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest and leading ports operator, has announced an important programme of capability upgrades of its latest series of pilot launches. The launches, produced by UK-based vessel builder Goodchild Marine, are already highly capable assets but the upgrades – incorporating a number of suggestions from ABP’s own pilots and marine teams – take the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of the launches to the next level.
The capability enhancement programme includes increasing the number of larger vessels from three to five in the fleet. The new vessels replace those averaging around a 25-year vintage. The ORC pilot boat range with its beak bow planing-hull design has proven to deliver a significant improvement to seakeeping, crew safety, comfort, handling, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction in line with the latest regulations.
The launches, produced by UK-based vessel builder Goodchild Marine Services Limited, are highly capable assets, enhanced by additional suggestions from ABP’s own pilots and marine teams, demonstrating an innovative approach to vessel development with all stakeholders involved in the project.
Today’s news comes on top of a broader, significant programme of other marine improvements implemented by ABP with respect to Protection Equipment, Pilot Portable Units, new VTS facilities and new facilities at Grimsby and Barry.
Paul Bristowe, ABP’s Chief of Staff and senior executive responsible for marine and safety, said: “ABP’s marine capability is absolutely essential to fulfilling our mission of Keeping Britain Trading. Making sure that this capability is delivered in a way that continually improves safety, effectiveness and sustainability is key and today’s announcement is a further example of our commitment to doing just that.
“I’m particularly pleased that the package of upgrades we’ll be implementing includes the results of listening to men and women operating our fleet and that we are supporting UK shipbuilding through continuing our relationship with Goodchild Marine.”
Stephen Pierce, General Manager for Goodchild Marine Services Limited, said: “We’re delighted to be developing our partnership with ABP further. It’s exciting to be working on a program with this ambition for capability improvement. Cutting-edge design and proven vessel building and refit experience isn’t just good for orders here in the UK, it puts us in a good position to compete strongly for orders elsewhere.”
Gary Olden, Marine Services Manager for ABP, said: “It’s great that the crews using the early deliveries from the new ORC vessel fleet have been able to feedback their initial experience and that’s going to result in even better vessels to come. Changes include different coatings to improve visibility, positioning of AdBlue filters and adjustments to operating stations such as handrails and throttle height. All-round, it makes the vessels more comfortable and safer for the crews and Pilots.”
The capability upgrade programme is being applied to the £10+ million nine vessel fleet purchase of ORC craft from Goodchild Marine. The programme will see the fleet composition being upgraded from six 136 vessels and three larger 171 craft to four 136 and five 171 craft. The programme will also incorporate a range of practical improvements suggested by our Marine crews and pilots.
Noatum Logistics, an AD Ports Group company and a leading logistics provider serving the globe across... Read more
PD Ports is delighted to have secured a new ten-year contract with global chemical company Venator.The... Read more
TBA's CommTrac bulk terminal operating system (TOS) optimises non-containerised cargo management. On... Read more
The Emerald Duchess has proudly made its arrival to the River Tees.The £23m dredger, a major investment... Read more
Noatum, an AD Ports Group company, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Safina B.V.,... Read more
Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest and leading ports operator, is delighted to announce... Read more
LOGISTEC, a leading North American marine and environmental services provider, has announce the appointment... Read more
Following the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s (CIRB) decision that does not bring the labour... Read more
Driven by organic growth in the Ports, Logistics and Digital Clusters, and by the acquisitions of Noatum... Read more
HHLA TK Estonia, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, is ushering in the grain season with... Read more