The Canaveral Pilots Association is collaborating with naval architecture firms Glosten and Ray Hunt Design (Ray Hunt) on a pilot/demonstration project to launch an electric pilot boat, which will include a battery-electric propulsion system.
Specifically, the partners will design, construct and operate the electric pilot boat. The vessels will feature a battery-electric propulsion system with an emergency ‘get home’ diesel engine and will serve as one of two primary boars for supporting pilotage operations in Port Canaveral.
Moreover, the team established that a Ray Hunt hull form outfitted with a Glosten-designed battery propulsion system will achieve the speed and operating range required to support normal pilotage operations in Port Canaveral.
Although for the time being the vessel specifics remain confidential, the minimum performance criteria established by Port Canaveral included a cruising speed of 18 knots and an operating range (on battery propulsion only) of 24 nautical miles.
Winn Willard, President of Ray Hunt commented that the technology is not new, but the challenge is managing the total weight in relation to the hull form and the required operating profile.
With feasibility-level engineering now complete, the next step for the Glosten-led team is the development of a draft program for the pilot/demonstration project to be used for Federal and/or State grant funding solicitations.
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