Safehaven Marine have launched ‘Solas’, a new 15m Interceptor 48 pilot boat for the Cork Pilots, at their local port of Cork in Ireland. Named for the Irish word meaning “light,” Solas shines as a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship, representing the culmination of Safehaven Marines decades of expertise in the design and construction of pilot boats.
Replacing the venerable Glean Mor built by Safehaven in 2005 after nearly two decades of faithful service, Solas marks the third collaboration between Safehaven Marine and the Port of Cork. With this vessel, Safehaven Marine not only delivers on its promise of quality but also celebrates a significant milestone, as Solas becomes their 60th pilot boat to grace waters worldwide under the company’s banner.
Powered by twin Scania DI13 500hp engines, Solas boasts impressive performance, achieving an operational speed of 25 knots while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency. Yet, it is not merely speed that sets Solas apart; it is the meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to safety and comfort that truly define this vessel.
Step aboard Solas, and you’ll find a sanctuary of comfort and functionality. A fully air conditioned main cabin provides seating for 4 pilots and 2 crew on Grammer Actimo air suspension seats, and space for luggage during crew transfer operations. Additional seating area for up to 4 passengers is provided in her spacious forward cabin featuring dinette seating, a separate heads compartment and electrical compartment allowing excellent access for all her electrical components and equipment. The cabin is fitted out to a very high standard featuring a teak & holy cabin sole, warm contemporary wood laminates, practical dark grey sidelining throughout and incorporating LED ambient lighting. These refinements coupled with the Interceptors soft riding hull provides the crew and pilots with very comfortable and relaxed transits.
However, Solas is not just about luxury; it’s about practicality and safety. Safehaven Marine’s commitment to innovation is evident in every aspect of the vessel’s design, from the electrically operated MOB recovery platform that can quickly and efficiently recover a casualty from the water safely even in rough conditions to the specially developed fendering system: Safehaven worked closely with the pilots at the port and Ocean 3 to develop a special version of work’s proven fendering system that incorporates a larger fender at the shoulder impact area, and a cut away recces at the pilot boarding area that prevents the ships pilot ladder from becoming trapped. Her central helm position offers panoramic vision all round and above, and offers one of the best helming positions, totally focused on providing the operator with the maximum comfort and control of the vessel, especially during the often challenging conditions a pilot vessel operates in. To assist pilots during navigation and pre-pilotage, a table and console is provided for one of the pilot seats incorporating its own ECDS navigation display and VHF.
All who have viewed Solas agree she is an extremely graceful vessel with pleasing, modern lines and Safehaven look forward to seeing her in service at their home port in the years to come.
