Houston Pilots Delivers P/V Yellow Rose

Kvichak Marine Industries, has recently delivered P/V Yellow Rose, a 77’10” x 21’7” Pilot Boat for operation by the Houston Pilots on the Houston Ship Channel – the largest landlocked port in America and deemed the world’s most difficult pilotage. The vessel is designed to operate as a pilot launch transporting pilots to and from a shore side dock and the Houston Pilot’s SWATH, and to perform pilot transfers to commercial vessels.

Since 1921, the Houston Pilots have been committed to the safety of the Houston Ship Channel and to their service to the shipping industry. The addition of the Yellow Rose demonstrates the association’s continued commitment to safety and will provide state-of-the-art transportation and accommodation to their current roster of 91 pilots.

Designed by Camarc Design, UK, the all-aluminum vessel is powered by twin Tier II Cummins QSK-38 engines rated for 1400 BHP each, which are coupled to ZF 4600 transmissions driving twin Hamilton 651 waterjets. This combination allows for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of ~29 knots when fully loaded.