TelestackGeneva DryPort of South LouisianaPort of StocktonBühler GmbHCimbria
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Van Aalst
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton
  • Port of South Louisiana

ABP boosts marine capability through pilot launch upgrades

ABP boosts marine capability through pilot launch upgrades

(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.

Latest News

Lagging iron ore offsets export surge in Duluth

(Posted on 31/01/25)

Total waterborne tonnage through the Port of Duluth-Superior declined 6.8 percent compared to the 2023... Read more


Fertilisers up as Antwerp-Bruges shows growth despite challenges

(Posted on 31/01/25)

Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2024 with 2.3% growth in total throughput, amounting to 278 million tons... Read more


Focus on speed limits around the Erasmusbrug in Rotterdam

(Posted on 30/01/25)

In 2024, the number of visits by incoming sea-going vessels in the port of Rotterdam fell slightly:... Read more


Dry bulk increases again in North Sea Port

(Posted on 20/01/25)

In 2024, the North Sea Port companies recorded a volume of 66.3 million tons of seaborne cargo transhipment... Read more


AD Ports to invest in Sarzha Grain Terminal in Kazakhstan

(Posted on 20/01/25)

AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry based in Abu Dhabi, has... Read more


Leading Vietnamese seaport makes impression at 12th PorTech Asia Summit

(Posted on 17/01/25)

Long An International Port has made its inaugural appearance at the 12th PorTech Asia Summit 2025 and... Read more


Rhenus becomes majority shareholder of Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin

(Posted on 10/01/25)

Germany based Rhenus Group has acquired an additional 58,5 percent of shares in the Polish port operation... Read more


AD Ports closes strong year of growth

(Posted on 07/01/25)

AD Ports Group has solidified its position as a leading facilitator of global trade and logistics through... Read more


Mukran Port starts 2025 with new management

(Posted on 07/01/25)

Mukran Port has welcomed Henry Forster as the new Managing Director of Faehrhafen Sassnitz GmbH. Ines... Read more


EIB provides €80m loan for Bilbao expansion and electrification

(Posted on 17/12/24)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed an €80 million loan with the Port Authority of Bilbao... Read more


Van AalstTMS Awards 2023Sailors SocietyViganTBA Group
  • Telestack
  • TBA Group
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping