RELEASE…PRESS RELEASE…PRESS RELEASE…PRESS RELEASE…PRESS
Seaward delivers the first of two new Nelson 40 pilot boats to Genoa Pilots
Dateline. 21st April 2016 – Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK
The first of two new Seaward Nelson 40 pilot boats ordered by Genoa Pilots, to serve shipping in and out of this busy Italian port, has been handed over to her new owners today.
Pictured during sea-trials in the Solent, Lybra features a resiliently-mounted wheelhouse and a foam-elastomer fender with pusher-bow. She is powered by twin FPT (Fiat Powertrain) engines, developing 265hp at 2,300 rpm, giving her a top speed of 22 knots. She is built to RINA Rules and complies with Italian regulations for working vessels.
This is the 3rd Nelson 40 that Genoa pilots have owned since 1974. One of these original boats is still in service and is the ‘go-to’ boat that everybody wants to use when conditions are bad. They have since experimented with other vessel types, including chine boats and wheelhouse Ribs, but have failed to find a better boat to meet their requirements than the Nelson 40; hence returning to this well-proven hull type.
Senior Pilot Captain John Gatti from Genoa Pilots says of the new boat and his experience of working with Seaward during the build:
“To do our job we need different types of boats. These can be divided into two categories: boats for good weather and boats for when conditions are bad. Based on our experience, the Nelsons are for sure the pilot boats best suited to rough seas. Their reliability and technical features allow us to go out in all weather conditions.
Throughout the construction of our two pilot boats, Seaward has been very correct and professional. All of our requests and doubts have been studied and clarified with seriousness and competence. “
Lybra’s sister-ship will be delivered in two months time.
UK-based Seaward builds Nelson 29, 35, 40 and 42 pilot boats and service launches.
Seaward Nelson 40 Pilot Boat specifications:
LOA 12.34m
Beam 3.58m
Draught 1.07m
Engines 2 x FPT 195kw ( 265hp ) @ 2,300rpm
Gearboxes ZF280A reduction ratio 2:1
Displacement – full load 12.30 tonnes
Fuel Capacity 1,800 litres
Max Speed – full load 22 knots
For further information, contact:
William Rhys-Jones – Sales and Marketing Director
The Boat Development Co Ltd 1, Prospect Road, Cowes,
Isle of Wight PO31 7AD, UK, T: +44 (0)1983 280333
E: william@seawardboat.com W: www.seawardboat.com