Twenty years after the first 25-meter SWATH@A&R pilot boats were introduced, Nederlands Loodswezen (Dutch Pilotage Service Organisation) has once again partnered with Abeking & Rasmussen to enhance their fleet. The new contract, signed on 18 October 2024, in Lemwerder, marks the continued trust and cooperation between the two organizations and confirms the order for two cutting-edge 25m SWATH@A&R pilot boats.
These new vessels represent the latest generation of Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) technology, known for its exceptional stability in rough seas, providing pilots with a smooth and reliable transfer to and from large vessels in challenging weather conditions.
In the past 20 years, the SWATH@A&R type of pilot boats has proven essential in performing Loodswezen’s public task on the Steenbank pilot station in the approach to the Scheldt river. The two new SWATH@A&R vessels will enable the pilot service to maintain a safe and efficient operation. The new pilot boats are about 20% more fuel efficient than the previous ships and will therefore have a positive effect on the carbon footprint of Nederlands Loodswezen.
Abeking & Rasmussen (A&R) has successfully concluded the tender process that started in April 2023 by offering a modern, innovative concept for propulsion and electrical power system. The sustainability and innovation of the fleet has been financed by the Dutch BNG Bank.
The latest developments of the SWATH@A&R pilot vessels are based on the proven design and consistently improved hull form by A&R which is allowing a safe transfer of persons even at severe weather conditions.
The new SWATH@A&R tender will be enhanced by new safety features and innovations within the outfitting details as well as setting new standard with an increased level of comfort for the pilots and the boat operating crew. This has only been achieved based in the trustful and open working relation during the project phase.
About Nederlands Loodswezen (Dutch Pilotage Service Organisation)
Nederlands Loodswezen supports the approximately 450 pilots registered in the Netherlands. Registered pilots are independent professionals who provide the captain with advice. By doing so, pilots play an important role in the efficient flow of traffic through and the safety of Dutch ports and Flemish ports on the river Scheldt, 24/7.
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