Outstanding directional stability and a top speed of 30 knots – these are the most important features of the new pilot cutters operated by the Cuxhaven Piloting Association on assignments in the North Sea. The first vessel, the `Frya´, is currently undergoing trials and the second, the `Fresena´, will be launched next February.
The beak-shaped, single-hull vessels are each powered by two MTU 10V 2000 M72 diesels.
“Each engine produces 900 kW and the order from MTU France also includes a ship-side automation system,” said Carsten Panke from Sales, Marine at MTU Hamburg.
“Until Christmas, the 20 meter long and 6.3 meter wide prototype `Frya´ will be undergoing various trials on the Rivers Elbe and Ems and in the North Sea. “Among other things we will be testing the vessel’s operating system and its maneuverability,” explained Andreas Schoon, MD at the Cuxhaven Piloting Association.
The `Fresena´, the second new boat of this type will be launched in February 2012 at the French Bernard shipyard. Two further vessels are still to be built and the quartet will be completed in fall of next year when all four cutters will put out from Borkum and Bremerhaven to take pilots out to freighters and passenger vessels.
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World Maritime News Staff, December 8, 2011