The Port of Waterford is to invest almost €1 million in a new pilot boat from Safehaven Marine.
Due to come unto use in September 2021, the pilot boat will be named Port Láirge, the Irish for Waterford and a name long associated with a steam-powered dredger that served the city for more than 70 years until the 1980s.
The 15-metre-long boat will provide safer working conditions for pilotage personnel, the port says.
Safehaven Marine in Co Cork won a tendering process to design and build the new boat which will be fitted with the latest marine safety technology.
Recent launches for the Youghal-based performance boatbuilders include Interceptor 48 pilot boats for Montevideo in Uruguay and the Port of Coruna in Northern Spain.
Port of Waterford Harbourmaster Capt Darren Doyle said: “We look forward to the new Port Láirge being brought into service next year.
“Our pilot boat crew and pilots do vitally important work year-round and it is essential that they have the best possible vessel to operate from.”