Kvichak’s Dutch Pilot Boat Christening

On September 29 the owners of Kvichak Marine Industries represented their company at the christening of P/Vs Aquila, Draco and Orion.  These three 72-ft pilot boats were designed by Camarc Design, Ltd., UK and built at the Kvichak yard in Seattle for the Dutch Pilotage Organization, Loodswezen.   The christening gala was held at Hoek van Holland, the Netherlands .

The vessels are powered by two, Tier II compliant Caterpillar ACERT C32 engines, coupled to ZF 3050 marine gears driving Hamilton 651 water jets.  This combination allows for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of ~28.5 knots fully loaded.  Each boat is equipped with an exhaust after treatment system; a Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) and a diesel particulate filter system (DPF) meeting the stringent emission regulations set by the authorities of the Port of Rotterdam.  The emissions reduction technology is provided Hug Engineering in Switzerland and supplied and serviced through Soottech in the Netherlands.  This new technology is the reason these boats were nominated for the ‘Royal Dutch Shipowners Association (KVNR) Shipping Award 2010.’  The pilot boats carry three operators and 12 pilots for transport to help coordinate large ship arrivals and departures along the Dutch coast.

Additional vessel features include:
•    Overall length – 75.1 ft   
•    Beam, over guard – 22.3 ft
•    Draft (RFS) – 3.6 ft   
•    Fuel capacity – 1200 gallons (4700l)
•    Pop-Safe fendering   
•    Rescue platform
•    Seating:  3 operators & 12 pilots   
•    Floating & removable house