Cattewater Harbour Commissioners took delivery of a new Pilot vessel in late December and after a period of handover and training she is now operational in the Port of Plymouth.
Pilot vessel Stamford is named after the Grade II listed Fort Stamford in Turnchapel, which overlooks the Cattewater; the fort was built to protect the city and its harbour as part of the Palmerston Forts defences.
Pilot vessel Stamford is an ORC 121 design, built by Goodchild Marine. She is 12.5m in overall length, fitted with twin Volvo Penta D8 engines – 331Kw each driving through a twin Disc “Quick-shift” MGX-5126A reduction gearbox, delivering sufficient power to achieve a service speed of 22 knots, with a top speed of 28 knots.
Stamford is also fitted with state-of-the-art navigational and safety equipment, including a hydraulic Man Overboard Recovery System at the stern.
Accepting the vessel from Alan Goodchild, Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master for Cattewater Harbour Commissioners said:
“The arrival of the new Pilot vessel, Stamford, signifies a significant investment to our pilotage service here in Plymouth. Pilots are the primary control measure in protecting the Port, and safety is of paramount importance.
The safety capabilities of the ORC 121 are very impressive and will provide a greater safety asset to the service here in Plymouth and for those who are working with her, and in turn a greater service to our visiting vessels as she provides a more stable platform to operate from.
Additionally, due to hull design, efficiency is vastly improved and the reduction in emissions from this vessel is a further commitment to the Port’s Air Quality Strategy. It has been a pleasure dealing with the team at Goodchild Marine during this turbulent year.”
Stephen Pierce, General Manager for Goodchild Marine said:
“The whole team has worked so hard this year, it is testament to their professionalism that we have been able to deliver four pilot boats in what, in the spring was particularly challenging for the manufacturing process due to the lockdown. We thank Harbour Master Richard Allan and all his team in Plymouth, who have also played their part in this our last delivery of 2020.”
