Conventional Pilot Vessel

Description

To ensure a dedicated 24/7, 365 pilotage service can be offered to both Port of Tyne and River Tyne stakeholders, the port currently operates two (all weather) dedicated Pilot vessels and one survey vessel for use in limited sea conditions.   The current pilot vessels are 16 and 24-years' old and are of conventional diesel engines.  Port of Tyne also has an all-electrical pilot vessel in design and build phase, which is due for delivery within 2026.  
The current duty cycle (single act of Pilot boarding / landing) is approximately ten-miles, three-miles within sheltered waters and seven-miles in open sea.
New certification requirements under the Workboat Code 3 (Edition 3) standards, relating to Pilot Vessels will require the existing fleet to undergo significant modifications from 2026 to meet compliance with these standards and Port of Tyne are therefore looking to supplement the current fleet of pilot vessels with a new conventional diesel engine.