Description

The Pilot Launch ‘Kelly’ is a French design, built by Australian company Hart Marine.

The launch is named after the explorer and seafarer Captain James Kelly who circumnavigated Van Diemen’s Land in a whale-boat, and who is credited with discovering Port Davey and Macquarie Harbour.

According to the TasPorts website, pilot launch Kelly allows for the fast, reliable and safe transfers of marine pilots in challenging weather conditions 365 days a year.

The state-of-the-art vessel was built in 2017, has a top speed of 32 knots, self-rights if capsized and features an infrared camera which can pick up heat at night in a man overboard situation.

Source: ‘Meet the Fleet’ (Hobart), Tasports*

(TasPorts is a state-owned company responsible for eleven Tasmanian ports and the Devonport Airport).