BOATBUILDING BITTS

TheAssociation of Maryland Pilots has ordered its fi fth Chesapeake-class launch from GladdingHearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp. Delivery is scheduled for early 2024. With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design , the new allaluminum launch measures 52.6' overall, with a 16.8' beam and a 4.8’ draft. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D16, EPA Tier 3-certifi ed diesel engines, each producing 641 hp at 1,800 rpm, the vessel’s top speed is expected to reach over 26 knots. A Humphree interceptor trim control system, with its automatic trim optimization, will be installed at the transom. The engines will turn 5-bladed Bruntons nibral propellers via ZF 500-1-A gear boxes. The launch will be equipped with a Northern Lights 12-kW genset.

St. Johns Ship Building, Palatka, Fla., held a keel-laying ceremony in January for the second in a series of aluminum off shore wind crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for Rhode Island-based Atlantic Wind Transfers (AWT). The Chartwell Marine Ltd. Ambitious-class CTVs will service U.S. off shore wind projects for construction, operations, and maintenance. The 82.7' aluminum catamarans are designed to transport 24 personnel to and from wind turbines with speed, safety, and stability. The Ambitious-class CTVs are powered by two Tier 4 MAN engines producing 2,900 hp through two Hamilton HM651 waterjets coupled with ZF gears with a top speed of 29 knots.

L aborde Marine Management LLC, New Orleans, has acquired two 240' deepwater DP-2 offshore supply vessels from L&M Botruc Rental Inc. and has expanded its fl eet of managed