The Port of Cork has today announced that local Cork Company, Safehaven Marine have been awarded the contract to build the Port of Cork's new pilot vessel. Due to be delivered in 2012, Safehaven Marine beat off strong competition from several other companies to win the contract.
Commenting on the contract Captain Paul O'Regan, Deputy Harbour Master, said: "As part of our planned renewal of equipment and vessels, the port recently advertised a contract to build a new Pilot vessel on e-tenders. We are pleased to announce that "Safehaven Marine", a Cork based boat builder has been successful."
He continued: "Safehaven Marine pilot boats are highly regarded in the industry and have a reputation as very sound sea keeping vessels; this is in part, as a result of extensive design trials undertaken in large swells and rough seas around the entrance to Cork harbour, during winter storms."
Since building the last Cork pilot boat in 2006, Safehaven Marine has specialised in the 'niche' pilot boat market and continuously expanded. Currently employing 30 staff, Safehaven Marine operates out of two factories, one in Little Island and a new state of the art facility built in Youghal. They have supplied pilot boats worldwide, from Scandinavia, Europe, and the Mediterranean and as far afield as Asia and the Middle East, and in 2012 will pass a milestone by launching their 100th vessel since being established in 1996. Safehaven are now probably Europe's leading manufacturers of GRP pilot boat.
Safehaven Marine, Managing Director Frank Kowalski commented "This was a very special award for us as this is our local Port, and having built their last new pilot vessel six years ago, we have built up a great relationship with all the crew and pilots, and are delighted to be once again, six years later building their new pilot vessel. The Port of Cork's new pilot boat will be an example of our high level of design and engineering, and we all look forward to delivering their new pilot vessel in 2012".