Tampa Bay Pilots Order New Transfer Vessel
The Tampa Bay Pilots Association will receive a new 56-foot custom vessel designed for efficient pilot transfer operations.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Trucks
The Tampa Bay Pilots Association has contracted Rozema Boat Works to build a new 56-foot all-aluminum pilot transfer vessel. The boat is designed to support the association's operations in Tampa Bay with specialized performance features.
Why it matters
This new vessel acquisition updates the association's fleet to ensure that pilots can safely board and depart large commercial ships operating within the bay. The custom build prioritizes navigational capabilities and reliable propulsion for demanding maritime maneuvers.
The vessel features twin Caterpillar C-18 engines providing 715 horsepower at 2100rpm and a total fuel capacity of 790 USG. The craft is expected to reach a top speed of 27-28 knots with a full load displacement of 61,000 lbs.
The players
Tampa Bay Pilots Association
This organization is responsible for safely guiding commercial vessels into and out of the ports within Tampa Bay.
Rozema Boat Works
Based in Mount Vernon, Washington, this shipbuilder specializes in the construction of high-performance commercial and pilot transfer vessels.
The details
The vessel design utilizes a double-chine aluminum hull engineered for stability and performance during transfers between the craft and larger commercial ships. It is equipped with a comprehensive Furuno navigation electronics suite and provides space for five pilots and a crew.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: Contract details for the vessel construction were announced.
Roadmap
The adoption of the Caterpillar C-18 diesel engine follows a broader industry trend of standardizing propulsion systems in commercial pilot boat fleets for improved power and reliability. This vessel acquisition represents a shift toward specialized, high-performance hulls that enhance safety during essential maritime transit operations.
While the purchase is an industrial equipment acquisition, it ensures the continued efficiency and safety of maritime pilotage services in the region. Residents and local businesses rely on these pilots to maintain the flow of commercial traffic moving through the port.
The takeaway
Reliable pilot transfer equipment remains a critical component of port safety and logistical throughput. Operators should ensure that new builds prioritize navigation and engine redundancy to minimize downtime during essential marine transit tasks.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest maritime transport technology in our Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MarineLink.
