This 121 Fast Pilot Vessel is designed by Pantocarene Limited, and provides fuel-efficient running at service speed, combined with excellent sea-keeping allowing surprisingly high transit speeds even in rough weather. This is the latest in the ORC range of pilot boats, which are operated within Europe, Australia and in ever growing numbers here in the UK. The hull design is an advanced double chine hull with forward ‘beak’, developed following an extensive development programme resulting in a hull design with very good internal volume and roll damping.

The double chine hull combines a number of advantages; finer entry in the forward sections, efficient spray rails to keep the deck dry and to damp motions in heavy seas, a more sea-kindly shape in the forward slamming area, with a chine shape at the aft end to give stability in following seas. The double chine shape also provides fuel-efficient, economical operation at all speeds.

The double chine hull has excellent maneuverability, both at slow speed for harbour operation and at service speeds for pilot boarding operations. This is due to the shape of the hull, together with careful balancing of the lateral water plane area.