New INTERCEPTOR 42 launched for the Port of Venice.

Safehaven Marine have just launched a new Interceptor 42 designed  for mooring, crew transfer and patrol duties built for GRUPPO ORMEGGIATORI from the Italian Port of Venice. She is an Interceptor 42 pilot vessel with a cab f/wd superstructure providing a clear aft working deck for handling ropes and light cargo transportation, as well as crew transfer and patrol duties. GRUPPO ORMEGGIATORI who deal with the handling of ships ropes during mooring operations ordered the new boat to service the ports new offshore oil terminal, the terminal is located 20nm offshore and subsequently subject to exposed, and during the winter months, rough working conditions. The Interceptor was chosen because of its reputation for excellent sea keeping, indeed it was this reputation that was put to dramatic test when the vice chairman Mr Stefano Telli visited Safehaven in Ireland to test the Interceptor, as luck had it conditions were highly suitable, there was a force 9 storm blowing from the South with gusts up to 50kts and 4m seas, We took the just launched Malta pilot boat out for a demonstration and Stefano was so impressed by the boat sea keeping conditions in what were quite extreme conditions that the next day contracts were signed. We took the opportunity to make one of our seakeeping demonstration videos which was posted on our web site allowing, Stefanos colleagues in Italy to witness the demonstration themselves. See the Video here.

For the vessels operational role the superstructure has been moved forward 2,5 meters over the standard pilot boat version to create a large, flush working deck which is fitted with a 3 ton slip hook and a hydraulic capstan for the handling of mooring of ropes. In all other respects she is built as a normal pilot boat in construction and fit out and was built under survey by Bureau Veritas. Typical heavy duty D section fendering all round gives her hull protection.  Her wheelhouse has a central helm position to provide a commanding, clear view all round, there are 4 crew seats and all seating is by CAB 300 hydraulic sprung seats. The vessel is powered by twin Iveco C13 engines and Twin Disc 5114 quick shift gearboxes, with close quarters maneuvering assisted by a hydraulic bow thruster. Engine removal and service is easily and quickly facilitated via a large deck hatch on the aft cockpit. She has a maximum speed of 25kts and a 23-24kts operational service speed on a lightship displacement of 15,300kg (17,000kg loaded).  The vessel is very comprehensively fitted out featuring a 4kw generator providing 240v onboard, powering a 9,000btu air conditioning unit to provide a comfortable crew environment. Her mast is capable of being lowered forward by an electric actuator operated remotely from the cabin to allow safe passing of ropes onboard, without the risk of snagging the aerials. Her deck is lined with tread master non slip to absorb shocks from steel ropes impacting the deck during rope handling operations, and her aft deck is protected with substantial 60mm dia railings capable of withstanding tough treatment when dealing with heavy ship lines. The vessel features a new aft cabin window design incorporating additional windows of a larger size to aid viewing the aft cockpit when working, which is assisted by a rear view camera with action displayed on her Furuno plotter screen. Her electronics comprise a complete Furuno system of plotter screen, 24nm radar with open array scanner, talk back / hailer system, and 2x Icom VHF radios. The vessel was extensively sea trialed in Cork by Safehaven Marine and her owners were very happy with the vessels handling, sea keeping and crew environment. The vessel was delivered by road and has now entered service in the Port of Venice .

Further sea trials were undertaken in a force 7-8 gale with 3.5m seas, it was particularly dirty crossing the harbour rock, but we managed to get some good video and photos, below are some taken by Paul before he succumbed to sea sickness. here is a link to the video- See the video