Page 31: of Marine News Magazine (April 2016)

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Beyond Our Shores pilot fewer rungs to climb we have

North River has also been export- improved safety for the transfer. This, ing boats for several years. Aggres- combined with the speed of the ves- sively concentrating on the Caribbean sels (approximately 40 knots), enables and Latin America markets, the ? rm Trinidad Pilots to grow their business typically ships 3 to 5 boats annually by opening up the vessels to various into this market. Blocher adds, “We other uses as well as reducing the trav- recently completed three boats that el time to and from transfers.” went to Israel and are working on We asked Josa why BCSL had pur- projects and quotes in many countries chased so many North River Boats at this time.” and he replied, “North River has

Closer to home, a relationship with continuously proven to be a reliable

Trinidad Pilots started through Almar boat building supplier, who provides

Boats shortly after North River ac- strong and unique vessel designs suit- quired Almar. The Pilots were looking able to our company’s needs. We keep for a more ef? cient and safer method coming back because of their profes- of transporting their pilots. Their sionalism, competitive prices, excel- search took them to Almar Boats, and lent customer and after sales service, a factory visit was the ? rst step in de- their dependability when it comes to veloping a long and mutually satisfy- meeting our time-frames for delivery ing relationship. and the quality and durability of the

Bridge Control Services Limited vessels. North River also offers a wide (BCSL) is based in Trinidad and To- range of vessel designs.” bago and provides marine transport One of North River’s latest designs services to the Trinidad and Tobago for BCSL is a crew transport vessel

Pilots’ Association and other compa- provides seating for 24 passengers nies in various sectors. A long-time and a maximum load of 3 tons of

North River customer, their ? eet in- cargo. Service speed is very important cludes jet-propelled boats capable of to BCSL’s customers, so they require speeds up to forty knots, all fully cer- a service speed no less than 30 KT. ti? ed to effectively execute a wide ar- The new boat will be ? tted with triple ray of services. Darren Josa, Director Caterpillar C12 705hp marine diesel at BCSL, told MarineNews in March, engines with ZF 360 transmissions “We have 11 North River boats in our and Hamilton HJ364 jets. Other fea- ? eet, ranging in sizes from 38 feet up tures include an exceptional fender- to 55 feet. The majority of BCSL’s ing system, and state-of-the-art navi- ? eet are pilot boats used for Launch gational system.

Services and there is also one dedicat- Josa says that BCSL’s goal is to be ed crew/ supply boat.” the premier and most innovative mar-

Blocher told MarineNews in itime service provider in the region.

March, “I believe that we were one “That being said, we always look for of the ? rst companies to include suppliers who can contribute to our roof top boarding for pilot transfers. overall goals,” he adds. And, while

By using roof top boarding, the pi- price is important to BCSL, Josa says lot can enter/exit the vessel closer to it isn’t the only reason that they keep the top of the ladder. The majority coming back, year after year. “The of incidents occur with the pilot fall- maintenance costs for the North Riv- ing from the ladder so by giving the er vessels are economical and parts for www.marinelink.com

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