Article

Port of Townsville expands pilot boat fleet with Hart Marine´s ORC 173


published on 7 December 2021 149 -

Port of Townsville latest Mantaray HM ORC 173, along with all Port of Townsville’s pilot boat fleet is defined by the Pantocarene designed beak bow vessels that are the forefront of pilot vessel desingn worldwide. The beak bow is designed to increase the waterline and reduce slamming and vertical accelerations, this along with the remotely mounted wheelhouse to reduce noise and vibration results in lower fatigue of pilots and vessel operators. Through 30+ years of design development Pantocarenes has been able to signifiantly reduce the drag of the hull form while maintaining best of breed qualities. The drag reduction therefore improves fuel efficiency and emissions. The HM ORC 173 hull is a refinement of 30 year’s knowledge of designing beaked bow vessels.
The client required a similar vessel to expand their fleet, fleet continuity was extremely important to the Port of Townsville. They wanted their users to be able to adapt to each vessel easily from a fleet management point of view. Port of Townsville required a 17.3 pilot vessel to expand their growing fleet and provide capability at remote parts operated by the Port of Townsville.

Port of Townsville required a vessel that could sustain longer runs, that could stay anchored in-between transfers, with option for pilots to rest on the day bed located within the wheelhouse, when not in use the day bed doubles as extra bench seating.
The chosen propulsion system was the VEEM Props 5 Blade with the standard high performing package
Yanmar 6HYM -WET engines with twin disc MGX 5126A 2.04:1 gearbox connected to Veem 5 blade propellers.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Port Tampa Pilot Gets Picked Up

published on 2 September 2022

0

Article Selecting the right pilot boat

by Port Technology International - published on 21 July 2021

Although it cannot be said that ship piloting is the world’s oldest profession, most maritime experts do agree that pilotage does date back to antiquity.

1

Video Disembarking in Australia - Flinders Ports

published on 31 August 2022

Australian Pilot Disembarking Ship Using Pilot Ladder With Man Ropes

0

Article P&O Maritime Logistics welcomes new pilot boat to fleet

by Baird Maritime - published on 26 May 2025

P&O Sahm is the fifth pilot boat to be acquired by P&O Maritime Logistics from the same builder. It will be operated out of Port Rashid in Dubai.

0

Video Pilot Boat 71 - Piraeus Port

published on 22 August 2025

0

Video CMMI Chennai Chapter |Technical Meeting | BRM During Pilotage

published on 27 July 2021

The Company of Master Mariners of India - Chennai Chapter, cordially invites you to a virtual meeting on "BRM During Pilotage" by Capt. Russell D'Cruz.

0

Opinion Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator

by Herman Broers - published on 10 March 2022

It is not often that this blog is used to show bad practice, however in this case some pictures tell a whole story. Ship is compliant by design for rigging a combination. How about the operator(s)?

1

Article AIMPA Journal- June 2021 issue XII

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 17 June 2021

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for June

1

Video Berthing alongside ice is not easy

published on 4 March 2021

North East Approach to Eydehavn were covered with ice. Navigation and maneuvering required skills and knowledge to bring the vessel safely alongside

0

Video This requires a ton of skill!

published on 17 January 2023

0