The Port Community of the Bay of Algeciras has attended the official presentation of the new boat Carabela, the latest addition to the fleet of the Algeciras Bay Pilot Corporation.
It is a Nelson 40 type vessel, designed to operate under the demanding weather conditions of the Bay of Algeciras. It is equipped with a special rubber fender to absorb impacts, a hull with great structural rigidity, and a maximum speed of 35 knots, which guarantees maneuverability, safety, and speed in piloting operations.
As a major technological innovation, Carabela incorporates the advanced integrated control system Czone, which allows centralized management of all vessel parameters, alarms, and interior and exterior lighting systems, thus optimizing control and safety during the service.
On the occasion of its entry into service, the president of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras, Gerardo Landaluce, has presented a commemorative plaque to the chief pilot, Amador Gutiérrez, in recognition of the work that the Corporation does daily to ensure safety and efficiency at the Port of Algeciras.
The new boat has involved an investment of 2 million euros and replaces the Carteya, a vessel that accumulated thousands of miles in port maneuvers. With this addition, the Corporation now has five high-performance vessels to handle the approximately 25,000 annual services provided by the 24 pilots who make up the workforce.
In addition, as explained by pilot Jesús Borrego, the entity has an operational maintenance team available 24 hours a day, which allows for immediate response and ensures that the five vessels are always available. Likewise, every 20,000 hours of service, the engines are renewed to guarantee maximum performance.