Fremantle Ports has launched two new locally built pilot vessels that will facilitate efficient ship movements fundamental to the operations of the port.
The $7.6 million Berkeley Class pilot vessels are West Australian-built in Geraldton by Dongara Marine and have a proven reputation as fast, reliable, comfortable and suitable for local conditions.
Fremantle Ports CEO Jodie Ransom said, with the launch of the organisation’s Strategic Plan in 2022, Fremantle Ports has pursued increased investment in assets to prioritise safety, capacity and efficiency. At the core of Fremantle Ports’ operations is the safe and dependable arrival and departure of ships, and pilot operations are fundamental to that.
‘Featuring state-of-the-art construction, the vessels will provide the highest degree of safety to our marine pilots and crews. We are proud to know we provide this in-house capability within Western Australia, with a design that provides the safest seakeeping and handling standards,’ Ms Ransom said.
The vessels will be mastered by Fremantle Ports’ Small Craft team who deliver pilots to ships every day of the year, in a range of weather conditions. The boats also have a secondary role undertaking security patrols of port waters.
The vessels are 19.0 metres in length with a draft of 1.7 metres and a capacity for 2 crew plus 6 passengers. The boats are equipped with 2 x Scania V8 engines each with a cruising speed of 25 knots and top speed of 31 knots. Supporting their security role, the vessels feature colour thermal imaging/night vision camera technology for night-time search and rescue capability.
Fremantle Ports’ employees and stakeholders took part in a naming competition and today the vessels were ceremonially launched and blessed Parker and Kwilena.
Parker recognises former Fremantle Ports CEO Michael Parker who acknowledged the high-risk nature of marine pilot transfers and was committed to improving safety for all. Parker’s sister ship is named Kwilena, the Noongar word for dolphin reflecting the cultural significance of our waterways to the Whadjuk people.