Article

USAID ERA Delivers 2nd Pilot Boat to Ukraine


published on 11 November 2024 -  3374 -

USAID, through its Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), delivered a second pilot boat to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) to improve the efficiency and safety of pilots moving to and from vessels navigating the Danube ports. The pilot boat, Lotsman Bolotin, will replace the outdated pilot boat, Aldebaran, to transport maritime pilots 16% faster to arriving and departing export vessels, ultimately reducing delays and increasing agricultural export turnover to get grain to global markets.

The pilot boat was built in Izmir, Turkey and is specially designed to operate in enclosed harbors and rivers, which is particularly important for ensuring pilot operations in the ports of the Danube region. The pilot boat can accommodate 8 pilots and 2 crew members onboard and move as fast as 32 km/hour; however, the average operational speed is around 15 km/hour. At the average speed, the boat can operate for up to three days without refueling. The 15-meter pilot boat is made of marine grade aluminum and painted orange, making it visible on the water under any conditions. The boat features a wide range of European and American equipment featuring two American Cummins engines and two Alamarin waterjets from Finland.

Lotsman Bolotin is named after Captain Borys Bolotin (1940-2019), a first-class maritime pilot who served as both the Deputy Head (2009-2013) and Head of Danube Unified Sea Pilotage Service of Delta Lotsman (2004-2009). After graduating from Kherson Maritime Lyceum, he dedicated his life to maritime shipping on the Danube. He is buried in Izmail.

Next month, ERA will deliver the third pilot boat, Lotsman Cheberiakov, also being built in Izmir.

Recently, the second pilot boat USAID is building for USPA, named Pilot Cheberiakov, successfully completed sea trials. In total, USPA will receive three pilot boats to further strengthen the export capacity of the Ukrainian economy on the Danube and Black Sea ports.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video OCEA Launches First Patrol Boat for Ukraine's State Border Guard

published on 10 December 2021

French shipbuilder OCEA today launched the first of twenty "OCEA FPB 98 MKI" patrol boats for the State Border Guard service of Ukraine at its shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne. ===================== In November 2019, an intergovernmental agreement between France and Ukraine has been signed to support the reinforcement of the maritime safety and security in Ukraine. OCEA won the international consultation launched by the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior. The acquisition contract is for 20...

0

Video The Maritime Blockade of Ukraine | What's Going on With Shipping?

published on 1 June 2022

The Maritime Blockade of Ukraine What's Going on With Shipping? April 22, 2022 In this episode, Sal Mercogliano - former merchant mariner and maritime historian at Campbell University - discusses the ongoing maritime blockade of Ukraine. He assesses some recent commentary and analysis on the naval operation, including the sinking of Moskva, and the commercial implications of the war in the Black Sea. #Ukraine #Russia #BlackSea #Moskva #Blockade #trade #commerce #logistics #supplychain...

0

Video Port Tampa Bay Florida Pilot Boat Moves Nicely Down The Seddon Channel On Wed August 24th 2022

published on 25 August 2022

Please Consider Leaving Me A COMMENT, LIKE Or A SUBSCRIPTION. Thanks Very Much For Watching. I Appreciate It!

0

Video Supmar Pilot Boat 12m GRP

published on 11 November 2020

Supmar Marine Pilot Boat 12m GRP
Venha navegar conosco.

0

Video 20m Pilot Boat "Raan" from Belgium

published on 10 October 2025

Following a pilot at fast speed

0

Article Maritime Pilot Tribute

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 9 December 2019

One of the most grandiose video about Marine Pilots' work. Must see!

0

Video Pilot "rides" aboard on ladder elevator. Footage from 1966

published on 22 December 2021

Editors note: There was a reason why this idea of a kind of ladder-elevator did not become accepted!

0

Video Pilot's Diary Frank 1 3

published on 5 February 2021

A maritime pilot tells us about why he loves switching ships in midstream.

0

Article EMPA-Newsletter Issue Q3-2026

published on 20 October 2026

We are delighted to share the latest EMPA newsletter with our community here.
Thank you to EMPA President Miguel Vieira de Castro, and a warm welcome to their new Journal Editor, Arie Palmers.

1