In a significant leap toward sustainable maritime operations, the Flemish Government has placed an order for an 80-metre battery-hybrid pilot boat. This €54.36 million (about $NZ100m) vessel is not only a replacement for the ageing Pilot Boat 1 and Pilot Boat 7 but a milestone in sustainable innovation, paving the way for greener shipping operations in Belgium.
Revolutionising pilot boats with hybrid technology
The new pilot boat, commissioned under the Maritime Services and Coast Agency (MDK) and its subsidiary Vloot, represents a cornerstone of Belgium’s maritime greening strategy. Designed for safety, efficiency, and adaptability, the vessel boasts cutting-edge diesel-electric hybrid propulsion with the potential for future conversion to methanol, a more climate-friendly fuel.
Tim Van Dijck, director of the fleet, highlighted the significance of this development:
“This new type of ship is a milestone in the greening strategy that we have been working on for years. The system minimizes emissions and can later be adapted to use methanol. With this, we continue to take steps toward the environmental objectives for 2030.”
Built for the future of maritime operations
Constructed by the Nordic Yards Group, a Finnish-Estonian partnership between Baltic Workboats and Summa Defence, the new vessel reflects cutting-edge maritime engineering. Its diesel-electric hybrid system is powered by six Volvo Penta diesel generators with a total power of 3,750 kW, paired with a 1,130 kWh battery bank. An intelligent control system optimizes energy usage, significantly reducing CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs.
Key specifications include:
- Dimensions: 80 metres long, 13 metres wide.
- Crew Capacity: Accommodates 20 crew members and 10 pilots.
- Safety Features: Operates safely in wave heights up to 3.5 metres.
- Emergency Capability: Functions as a coordination platform during North Sea incidents, supporting injured persons and evacuees.
The construction timeline spans 42 months, with an option for an additional vessel to follow.
Green goals on the horizon
This innovative vessel aligns with Belgium’s broader 2030 environmental objectives by reducing emissions and advancing the adoption of alternative fuels. Methanol-ready technology ensures the ship can evolve alongside future advancements in sustainable energy.
By investing in this hybrid vessel, the Flemish Government not only upgrades its maritime fleet but sets a benchmark for other nations. The combination of cutting-edge propulsion, operational safety, and eco-friendliness positions this vessel as a blueprint for the next generation of pilot boats.
A new era for maritime sustainability
The Flemish Government’s bold move signals a clear commitment to leading in maritime sustainability. From its hybrid propulsion system to its methanol-ready design, the vessel embodies the future of shipping innovation. With this initiative, Belgium is charting a course toward a greener, more sustainable future for maritime operations.
As the first of its kind, this pilot boat exemplifies how forward-thinking investments in technology can revolutionise the maritime industry, blending safety, efficiency, and sustainability in one vessel.
