Federal Hill, a new Baltimore Class high-speed pilot boat, has been delivered by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding to the Association of Maryland Pilots, equipped with a range of new navigation and communication systems provided by Furuno USA to support pilotage operations in the Port of Baltimore.
The boat features dual NavNet TZtouchXL Multi Function Displays (MFD), networked with a Solid-State Doppler Radar to provide situational awareness in congested waterways and during periods of reduced visibility.
Positioning and stabilisation data will be provided by dual Global Positioning System (GPS) and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) sensors, along with a satellite compass. For vessel identification and traffic awareness, the ship will use an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder.
Communications include twin Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. The navigation setup also includes an MFD and a thermal camera to assist with nighttime pilot transfers and operations in adverse weather conditions.
The Federal Hill is now stationed in Baltimore, where it will support vessel guidance and manoeuvring requirements for the high-traffic shipping lanes of the port.
