GODDESS JOINS ABP’S NEW WAVE OF PILOT LAUNCHES
pv Humber Venus, the newest addition to Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Humber Estuary Services (HES) fleet of pilot launches, has been officially named in a ceremony held today (Friday, 28 April) at 7 Quay in the Port of Hull’s King George Dock. ABP is investing £1.9 million in three new VT Halmatic-built ‘Nelson 48/50’-class vessels to upgrade its fleet of pilot launches.
In a traditional ceremony jointly hosted by Hull & Goole Port Director Matthew Kennerley and ABP’s Harbour Master for the Humber Capt. Phil Cowing, pv Humber Venus was christened by Lady Sponsor Mrs Denise Twidle, with the service of dedication conducted by the port’s chaplain, Canon Christopher Percy. Bob Cripps, Technical Director of VT Halmatic, later presented Mrs Twidle with a gift of thanks in a presentation held at ABP Hull’s port office.
pv Humber Venus is the second vessel to be delivered of the three commissioned to replace the three oldest of ABP HES’ fleet of five pilot launches. The first – pv Humber Neptune – came into service in January of this year, with the third – pv Humber Saturn - expected to be delivered by early summer. Like her sister vessels, pv Humber Venus is capable of carrying eight pilots and a crew of two at speeds of up to 23 knots.
This significant investment demonstrates ABP’s commitment to the safety and efficiency of the pilotage operations on the Humber, the UK’s busiest commercial waterway, for which ABP is the Competent Harbour Authority.
Capt. Phil Cowing commented:
“This is an exciting day for us. As the Competent Harbour Authority for the Humber Estuary, we handle some 37,000 shipping movements annually, of which nearly 21,000 require pilotage, and because of the growth in trade, this figure is increasing year-on-year. Delivery of this new vessel, and of the last one of three over the coming months, will ensure that we are able to offer the best possible service to vessels using the Humber.
“The Halmatic Nelson-class vessel is a proven design which has operated successfully on the Humber for many years, and forms the basis of our existing fleet. We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with VT Halmatic. I would also like to thank Mrs Twidle for kindly agreeing to be Humber Venus’ Lady Sponsor.”
Matthew Kennerley thanked all those who attended:
“The pilotage service that we provide on the Humber is vital to the commercial life of the port and surrounding region. The sizeable turnout today, I think, is a reflection of the extremely high regard the local port community has for the service. I would like to thank them all for joining us on this important day.” |
 |
Copyright © Associated British Ports Holdings PLC 2004. All rights reserved.
Contact us
