Article

Port of London Authority orders new Pilot Boat from Goodchild

by Port of London Authority - published on 5 February 2024 - 4116 -

Show comment section |

Following a competitive, international selection process, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has signed a contract with British family-run company, Goodchild Marine Services Ltd, to build a new pilot vessel.

With 95 miles of the tidal Thames under its jurisdiction, the PLA, the UK’s largest port, is investing significantly in its people, infrastructure and equipment to meet increasing demand for its pilotage services as its customers and terminals continue to grow.

This winning tender follows Goodchild Marine’s success during London International Shipping Week, where it was honoured twice at the 2023 National Maritime SME Awards, collecting the awards for “Best Family Business” and overall winner of the “National Maritime SME Business of the Year”.

This vessel acquisition represents a small part of the largest capital investment plan for the PLA in over 20 years. Supporting our customers’ future growth plans, this investment plan is key to delivering the PLA’s Thames Vision; to be the UK’s leading Net Zero port by 2040.

Photo from LinkedIn

PLA’s Director of Marine Operations, Steven Clapperton, said:
“Goodchild has proven over many years that they are at the leading edge of vessel design and build. This new vessel is designed specifically for our current and future operational needs, and will incorporate the latest in technology, reducing fuel consumption, minimising environmental impacts, whilst maximising operability."

Photo from LinkedIn

Goodchild’s General Manager, Stephen Pierce, said:

“As a family run company, it is a privilege to continue our working relationship with the Port of London Authority. This contract affords us the opportunity to continue to develop our range of pilot boats to meet the operational requirements of UK ports both small and large.”

Goodchild Marine Services Ltd

What's your opinion on this?

Video Pilot Transfer - New Zealand (Auckland) & Australia (Melbourne/Fremantle)

published on 21 October 2021

Spotted some Pilot Boats in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne & Fremantle Australia (Port codes: Auckland:NZ AKL ; Melbourne:AU MEL ; Fremantle:AU FRE).

Video Look at Life - Down London River (Thames) - 1959

published on 18 March 2021

This documentary made in 1959 in the popular Look at Life series is from Volume 5 - Cultural History and takes a journey along the River Thames passing several famous buildings and monuments such as - County Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Shell Mex House which has the biggest clock face in London. Cleopatra's Needle, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Port of London Authority, Prospect of London Pub, Port of London Docks.

Video The work of a Pilot on the tidal Thames, UK - 2010

published on 18 March 2021

10 years back in time: Port of London Authority Pilot Jon Stafford talks about his work and the challenges of guiding large ships safely into and out of the Port of London.

Article IMPA Safety Campaign Analysis 2016-2020

by Herman Broers - published on 6 January 2021

The IMPA safety campaign on pilot ladders has run for a long time now. In this document the results of the IMPA safety campaign have been analyzed from 2016 to 2020.

Article AMSA warns of counterfeit pilot ladders and certificates

by Australian Maritime Safety Agency - published on 9 January 2024

This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) advises AMSA-licensed coastal pilots and pilotage providers about the existence of counterfeit pilot ladders and associated certification.

Article The world's largest container ship "Ever Ace" completes its first transit through the Suez Canal

published on 16 October 2021

On August 28, the world's largest container ship completed its first crossing in the Suez Canal. Due to its huge size and this is the first voyage of the ship, it has received extra attention and special treatment from the Suez Canal Authority (SCA).

Opinion Hybrid War at Sea

by Frank Diegel - published on 25 March 2025

Electronic warfare in the Baltic Sea is escalating rapidly, with GPS and AIS disruptions posing growing risks to maritime navigation. Russia’s hybrid strategy is targeting both safety and stability in one of Europe’s most critical shipping regions. Pilots and crews now face a new reality: navigating under threat.

Article Marine Accident Brief - Collision of Dixie Vandal Tow with Moored Trinity and Tow

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 8 April 2020

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a Marine Accident Brief about an accident that occurred in March 2019, involving the towing vessel Dixie Vandal, noting that the BNWAS alarm didn't prevent the fatigued pilot from falling asleep.

Video Time Lapse: Pilotage of an inbound LNG Carrier, Port of Rotterdam

published on 6 July 2019

Time Lapse Video: An inbound LNG carrier arrives at the Port of Rotterdam. At sea, in the Eurogeul channel, two maritime pilots have joined the vessel. Between the breakwaters four harbour tugs (Smit Harbour Towage) make fast to assist her manoeuvre. In the Beerkanaal channel the LNG carrier is stopped and swung before entering the Nijlhaven harbour. While approaching LNG Jetty 1 the ship's mooring lines are taken ashore by mooringboats (Koninklijke Roeiers Vereeniging Eendracht).
Pilot...