UK boatbuilder Goodchild Marine to deliver ORC 121 pilot boat for operations on Spain’s challenging northern coastline.
Goodchild Marine Services, a specialist UK boatbuilder, has secured its first contract with the Port of Gijón (El Musel) in northern Spain for the construction of a new ORC 121 pilot boat. The agreement marks a significant milestone for both organisations and will enhance the port’s ability to deliver safe, efficient pilotage services along one of Spain’s most demanding Atlantic coastlines.
The new vessel will join the port’s pilotage fleet in 2027 and will be built at Goodchild Marine Services Limited in Great Yarmouth. The ORC 121 renowned for its soft-riding beak-bow hull, exceptional fuel efficiency, and proven performance in heavy weather will support the ports 24/7 operations handling bulk carriers’ tankers, and cruise vessels navigating the Bay of Biscay.
The contract marks the first ORC-class pilot boat to be delivered to a Spanish port, further expanding Goodchild Marine’s footprint across Europe’s major pilotage authorities.
Stephen Pierce, General Manager at Goodchild Marine, said: “We are proud to partner with the Port of Gijón on this significant project. The ORC 121 is designed for ports that demand absolute reliability in challenging sea states, and we look forward to delivering a vessel that will enhance safety, efficiency, and operational resilience for years to come.”
“Our pilotage service operates in some of the most demanding conditions on the Atlantic coast. Choosing the ORC 121 reflects our commitment to investing in the best technology available to protect our pilots, support our maritime community and ensure the smooth flow of traffic through El Musel. Goodchild Marine’s reputation for quality and innovation made this an easy decision. We would like to express that we are very satisfied working with and developing our current project alongside Goodchild Marine. During our first meeting with the shipyard representatives, we immediately realised that we were dealing with true professionals from the maritime sector. We received a proposal that was perfectly tailored to our needs, and intensive work was carried out to provide the solutions required for our new vessel. Response times have always been very satisfactory, and the treatment and professionalism shown by the Goodchild Marine staff have been second to none.” – Ignacio García Suárez, Chief Pilot and President of the Gijón Pilots Association
Construction of the vessel will begin later this year, with delivery scheduled for mid-2027.
