| Delivering pilots to ships as swiftly and safely as possible has always been a challenge. More often than not, weather and sea conditions are less than ideal for boarding, and tight port schedules only increase the pressure to get ships in, unloaded and back out again.
In ports like Savannah, GA. where offshore runs of 10 miles or more are common, speed and the ability to board in the worst of conditions are critical. In other areas, like Texas, depth may be a consideration, requiring a shoal-draft vellel that can handle a short chop. In the Northeast, structural icing from spray calls for heated rails and decks.
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New designs from C. Raymond Hunt Associates, of Boston, and the design/building partnership of Camarc, Kvichak and Derecktor Shipyards have addressed these needs with improved hull designs that offer dry, comfortable rides and improved safety features, such as piot recovery platforms. Speedy turnarounds are also assured, as the trend toward waterjet technology is embraced, providing service speeds of nearly 30 knots.
Delta Launch Services
William H. Johnson is the first...
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