New pilot boat launched by Port of Cork

A STATE-OF-THE-ART pilot boat, whose name Solas was chosen by nine-year-old Rhys Daly in a competition, was officially launched by the Port of Cork Company and its staff at a special event in Cobh.

The name, which is the Irish word for light, was chosen by Rhys, son of Port of Cork Company team member Bryan Daly, in a competition among the children of the company’s staff and the prize for Rhys was extra special.

He was invited to cut the ribbon and officially name the boat at the event held on Sunday. Rhys was also presented with a special trophy as a memento of the occasion.

Built by Safehaven Marine, Solas is an ‘Interceptor 48’ model, measuring 15 meters in length and capable of accommodating seven pilots and crew members as they are transported from the harbour to incoming ships or from outbound vessels to the shore when they are outside the harbour area.

The vessel boasts a top speed of 25 knots and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation equipment and numerous advanced safety features, including automatically closing air vents, thick windows, and watertight cockpit doors.

Additionally, the vessel operates on HVO biofuel, a sustainable fuel option that significantly reduces carbon emissions.

During the ceremony, Donal Crowley, the acting chief executive officer of the Port of Cork Company took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the project team whose work and expertise brought this initiative to fruition.

He paid a special thanks to Mark Moran (launch crew), Padraig Condon and Kevin O’Callaghan (pilots), and the late Michael Connolly and Peter O’Galligan of Ballycotton Marine, whose insights he described as ‘instrumental in shaping the design and safety features of ‘Solas’.

The vessel was described by the Port of Cork’s chief commercial office, Conor Mowlds, as a testament to the company’s ‘commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability’.

“It marks a significant leap forward in our ability to navigate the challenges of modern maritime operations while preserving the rich heritage of the Port of Cork,” he said.