Port of Sines acquires new pilot boat

In October 2020, APS – Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve, S.A. signed a contract with the Irish shipyard “Safehaven Marine” for the construction of a new pilot vessel “Interceptor 48”.

The boat is similar to the one already existing in the Port of Leixões and Aveiro, measuring 14.9 m in length, with a beam of 4.4 m and a draft of 1.3 m, and a total displacement of 18.8 tons. The hull is divided into four watertight compartments and is self-rigging. Propulsion is provided by Volvo engines and two 4-blade propellers, with an operating speed of 25 knots. The fuel tank has a capacity of 1,800 liters and the water tank is 110 liters. The vessel has a generous set of communications and navigation equipment, including radar, sonar, GPS and ECDIS. In the cabin, with a low noise level, 7 people can be seated in seats that mitigate shock and vibrations, and in the forward accommodations, 6 more passengers can be transported. The hull is protected with fenders all around and prepared for impacts that can occur in bad weather conditions, when docking for pilot transfers.

It also has additional safety equipment, namely for the rescue of castaways, where the hydraulic platform for collection at the stern and Jason Cradle stands out.

The Port of Sines, had already owned a speedboat built in this Irish shipyard, an Interceptor 55 that burned down in June 2019.

Image kindly provided by Cte. Joaquim Gravato from the Espinheiro boat in the Port of Aveiro