UK: ABP’s Humber Estuary Services Expands Its Fleet of Pilot Launches

P.V. Humber Jupiter, the newest addition to ABP’s Humber Estuary Services (HES) fleet of pilot launches, has been officially named in a ceremony held at the All Weather Terminal at the Port of Hull’s King George Dock.

ABP has invested £1.2 million in the new Nelson class vessel as part of an upgrade to its fleet of pilot launches.

In a traditional ceremony jointly hosted by ABP Director, Humber John Fitzgerald and ABP Harbour Master, Humber, Capt. Phil Cowing, P.V. Humber Jupiter was christened by Lady Sponsor Mrs. Rachel Cooper, with the Service of Dedication conducted by the Chaplain of the Immingham Seafarers Centre, Father Colum Kelly.

John Fitzgerald presented Mrs. Cooper with a gift of thanks in a presentation held on the quayside by the newly-named vessel. The ceremony was followed by a tour of the vessel before a reception for guests held at ABP Port House, Hull.

P.V.Humber Jupiter complements the existing four vessels in the pilot launch fleet and is capable of carrying eight pilots and a crew of two at speeds of up to 23 knots.

John Fitzgerald welcomed this latest addition to ABP’s fleet of pilot launches.

He said: “Every year over 30,000 commercial vessel movements take place on the Humber and 60 per cent of these require pilotage. The importance of the Humber ports to the whole of the UK cannot be underestimated – without them the lights would quite literally go out across the country. It is therefore vital that we continue equip our pilots with the right tools to meet the challenges of the future.”

Mrs. Cooper said she was honoured to name the vessel, and praised the 500-year-long tradition of pilotage on the Humber:

She said: “It has been wonderful to be involved in such a ceremony, which we must remember is both an opportunity to showcase the vessel and to bless her future. May all those who sail on her enjoy a safe passage.”

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AB Ports, March 20, 2014