Portugal's Port of Sines new Interceptor 16m pilot boat.

Below is seen the First dedicated Pilot vessel based on the Interceptor 55 Hull, differing from Orca II, the patrol version of the Interceptor 55 in so much as she has an aft positioned wheelhouse as opposed to Orca II's  forward positioned wheelhouse. The obvious benefits being lower motions in rough conditions for pilots and crew, as well as better visibility and view of the 'boarding area' As can be seen the 'boarding area' is wide and spacious which will make boarding operations safe and efficient. Her graceful lines are even more apparent in the pilot version.

Latest pictures 5/July/08

Above and below, her large, spacious engine compartment.,

Her MOB recovery system is hydraulically operated, and can be used in addition to MOB recovery, lifting floating objects from the water. The platform extends down 400mm below the waterline.

Above and below. Extra heavy duty fendering on her transom quarters. 

Engine removal is easily facilitated through large hatches in the cabin sole and the roof. All internal furniture over this section is of GRP modules, quickly and easily removed.

She is  powered by twin Scania D16 engines at 600hp and Twin Disc MG5114A Gearboxes. Engine removal is easily carried out through a removable hatch in the cabin sole and roof top.

Her lower fore cabin is very large and spacious, and is fitted out to a high standard in order to provide the crew with a comfortable living accommodation area. Paneled in Walnut wood effect laminate, white vinyl headlining and sidelining, it creates a warm environment for her crew.

Upper, high level windows are positioned to provide the helmsman with a clear overhead view of the ships side, and pilot boarding ladder. Below, a wave deflector on the fore deck protects the windows from boarding seas in heavy weather.

We have taken great care to design a very ergonomic helm position that is very user friendly for the helmsman. All the controls are easily to hand, there is a large area for flush mounting electronics and we have wrapped the console around the driver creating additional space for instrumentation.

The 55's hull seen alongside the 42. For the pilot version the bow was modified to allow the fender to wrap around the bow. She has a specially formed mirror finish stainless bow plate both protecting the bow and adding some visual flair.

Big 150x150mm transverse frames at 500mm spacing's combined with a 10,000gm2 bottom laminate and a 8,000gm2 side laminate at the boarding area gives her tremendous strength. The hull has been built under survey and to full Lloyds plan approval for her hull construction.

Below, her massive 150x150mm framing a 500mm centres.