New pilot boat for the Port of Sète reaches 23 knots fully loaded following completion by JFA Naval
JFA Naval has completed and delivered a new pilot boat for the Port of Sète in southern France, following the completion of a project originally initiated at Chantiers Bernard.
The vessel was transferred to JFA Naval after difficulties encountered by the original shipyard, with the hull and composite wheelhouse moved to JFA Naval’s facilities for completion. The yard carried out the remaining technical installations, outfitting and armament required to bring the pilot boat into service.
Designed specifically for marine pilotage operations, the vessel can accommodate up to eight people and has been developed around manoeuvrability, safety, operational efficiency and crew comfort.
The naval architecture was provided by Nantes-based Delion Architecture Navale, with the design focused on handling characteristics, ergonomics and navigation performance in demanding operating conditions.
Sea trials confirmed the vessel’s nautical performance, with the fully loaded boat reaching a maximum speed of 23 knots. Trials also verified the operation of the onboard systems and confirmed compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and the operational expectations of the pilot service.
The completed pilot boat will now be transported by road to the Port of Sète, where it will be received at the pilot station ahead of entering operational service.
JFA Naval said the transport solution avoids the need for the vessel to make the longer voyage around the Iberian Peninsula, given its classification as a Category 3 vessel.
Pilot Boat Specification
- Hull Material: Fiberglass Composite
- Overall Length: 14.2 m
- Waterline Length: 12.92 m
- Overall Beam: 5.1 m
- Light Draft: 1.3 m
- Light Displacement: 17 T
- Propulsion: 2 x 455 hp Cummins QSL 9
- Fuel Capacity: 2 x 830 L
- Cruising Speed: 18 – 23knots
- Capacity: 2 crew + 8 persons
- French 3rd category – Division 222 – Freeboard and Stability approved by Bureau Veritas (non-classed vessel).
