A third pilot boat, also known as a pilot vessel, is joining the Port of Nice’s fleet. Named “Nicea,” this new pilot boat will be the largest pilot vessel ever acquired by the Nice-Cannes-Villefranche piloting station. Soundproofed and equipped with air conditioning, this pilot boat is also the first twin-engine in the station’s history.
These pilot vessels are tasked with escorting their expert pilots to the command posts of ships over 50 meters long that wish to enter the port of the Côte d’Azur. A true performer of the seas, this boat is very fast, capable of reaching 25 knots or 46 km/h, but it is also highly maneuverable. It can reach remote, difficult-to-access sites in all weather conditions as it can handle rough seas.
This Friday at 7 p.m., as tradition dictates, after the blessing by Deacon Jean-Philippe Rigaud, the godmother will be invited to break a bottle of champagne on the hull of the boat.
