A new pilot vessel for the Port of Brisbane willl commence operations this month as part of a $I.8 million investment by Brisbane Marine Pilots into the ongoing upgrade and extension of its pilot service.

After the successful completion of its sea trials the new 13.4 metre vessel, named the "Spitfire", had an official launching ceremony at the Riverside Centre Brisbane in January.

With an estimated hull lifespan of 20 years the "Spitfire" will provide pilotage transfers in the Port of Brisbane and will make more than 2,800 voyages in its first 12 months of operation.

The all-weather purpose-built vessel was constructed locally by Norman R Wright and Sons and is one of three of this particular pilot vessel currently operated by Brisbane Marine Pilots.

One of Brisbane Marine Pilots vessels "Amity" will be  relocated in February to provide a pilot and personnel transfer service at Whyte Island to the Moreton Bay and Brisbane Road Anchorages.

Brisbane Marine Pilots chairman Steve Pelecanos says the construction of the new vessel was a positive step forward for the organisation.

"For many years Brisbane Marine Pilots has been committed to providing a second-to-none pilotage service and has continued to develop the best industry practices and technology," Pelecanos says.

"With the construction of the "Spitfire" there will now be three pilot vessels in operation, allowing the Brisbane Marine Pilots to significantly_-increase its level of service and provide additional pilotage and personnel transfers.

"The "Spitfire" will operate around the clock in all weather and at all times as the pilot service is heavily on demand at the Port of Brisbane.

In fact, throughout the next 20 years we expect this vessel alone to undertake more than 55,000 pilot transfers," adds Pelecanos.

The official launch of the "Spitfire" was attended by representatives from Brisbane Marine Pilots, Port of Brisbane Corporation, Maritime Safety Queensland, Shipping Agents and the companies who collaborated in building the pilot boat.

The official ceremony marked the culmination of a $1.8 million investment project by Brisbane Marine Pilots to upgrade its pilot service to the Port of Brisbane.

Brisbane Marine Pilots provides a pilotage service on behalf of the Queensland Government Agency - Maritime Safety Queensland. Its core business is to supply professional marine pilots to ships traversing the Port of Brisbane.g