Modernising the fleet
Vessel number nine in ABP’s pilot launch fleet modernisation programme is to enter service with ABP Humber as Associated British Ports (ABP) and Goodchild Marine further advance their established partnership.
The ongoing development and enhancement of ABP’s pilot launch fleet supports safe, efficient and increasingly sustainable marine operations across key UK ports including the Humber, Southampton and South Wales.
In recent years, the partnership has focused on the delivery and refinement of modern ORC pilot launch vessels designed to enhance seakeeping performance, crew comfort, fuel efficiency and emissions performance.
The PV Ancholme, number nine, was on show at Seawork 2026. Construction of a tenth vessel is scheduled to commence later this year.
Steven Clapperton, Head of Marine (Humber), said, “Our partnership with Goodchild Marine underlines ABP’s long-term commitment to investing in high-quality marine assets that enable safe, resilient and efficient operations across our port network.
“The ongoing modernisation of our pilot launch fleet ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers, marine teams and the wider supply chain. This latest generation of launches strengthens safety and wellbeing, enhances operational performance, and supports our environmental ambitions.”
Stephen Pierce, General Manager, Goodchild Marine Services Limited, said, “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with ABP through the delivery of pilot launch vessels that combine robust performance, operational practicality and ongoing design improvement. This collaboration demonstrates the value of close partnership between operator and builder in delivering vessels that are fit for purpose, future-focused and built to support essential maritime operations.”
The continued collaboration demonstrates the value of long-term industrial partnerships in strengthening UK maritime capability, supporting domestic shipbuilding expertise and investing in critical infrastructure that enables trade to move safely and efficiently.
Exhibitor; Goodchild Marine Services
The ongoing development and enhancement of ABP’s pilot launch fleet supports safe, efficient and increasingly sustainable marine operations across key UK ports including the Humber, Southampton and South Wales.
In recent years, the partnership has focused on the delivery and refinement of modern ORC pilot launch vessels designed to enhance seakeeping performance, crew comfort, fuel efficiency and emissions performance.
The PV Ancholme, number nine, was on show at Seawork 2026. Construction of a tenth vessel is scheduled to commence later this year.
Steven Clapperton, Head of Marine (Humber), said, “Our partnership with Goodchild Marine underlines ABP’s long-term commitment to investing in high-quality marine assets that enable safe, resilient and efficient operations across our port network.
“The ongoing modernisation of our pilot launch fleet ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers, marine teams and the wider supply chain. This latest generation of launches strengthens safety and wellbeing, enhances operational performance, and supports our environmental ambitions.”
Stephen Pierce, General Manager, Goodchild Marine Services Limited, said, “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with ABP through the delivery of pilot launch vessels that combine robust performance, operational practicality and ongoing design improvement. This collaboration demonstrates the value of close partnership between operator and builder in delivering vessels that are fit for purpose, future-focused and built to support essential maritime operations.”
The continued collaboration demonstrates the value of long-term industrial partnerships in strengthening UK maritime capability, supporting domestic shipbuilding expertise and investing in critical infrastructure that enables trade to move safely and efficiently.
Exhibitor; Goodchild Marine Services
Recommended News for You
Great Belt VTS solution delivered
June 25, 2026Seawork Press FP
People and technology – the Royal Navy’s transition to a hybrid fleet
June 23, 2026Seawork Press FP
Colavatis chooses Seawork to introduce new name
June 23, 2026Seawork Press FP
There’s a new president in town for the IHMA
June 19, 2026Seawork Press FP
Integrated solutions from a single trusted partner
June 18, 2026Seawork Press FP