b'MEMBER NEWSGladding-Hearn to Build Two Pilot Boats for Mississippi River-Based CompanyG ladding-HearnShipbuild-ing, Duclos Corporation has receivedanorderfortwo of a new class of pilot boats from a company operating on the Mississippi River. The shipyard previously built six larger pilot boats for the same com-pany. Delivery of the two new vessels is expected in 2027. The new custom 44vessel ordered are basedonGladding-HearnsResilient class of fast and highly maneuverable launches, designed for performance in uniquemaritimeenvironments.The designisoptimizedforperforming launch services on the Mississippi River. decks,areardoor,andaladdertoforms. Tire fenders will be fastened to The all-aluminum boats will be pow- the rooftop, where there are walkwaythe vessels shear and transom.eredbytwinCaterpillarC-9.3EPAhandrailsandhingedboardingplat-Tier 3-compliant diesel engines, each deliveringatopspeedof34knots. Theengineswillbeconnectedto TwinDiscgearboxesandpropelled by twin Hamilton HTX-30 waterjets. Aninterceptortrimcontrolsystem will be installed at the transom.The wheelhouse will be flush-mount-PHOTO: GLADDING-HEARN SHIPBUILDING, DUCLOS CORPORATIONedaftofamidshipsandoutfitted with five shock-mitigating seats. The laminated forward-facing wheelhouse windowsareelectricallyheatedand equipped with retractable sunshades. A roof-mounted, 15,000 BTU air con-ditioning unit will cool the wheelhouse while at the dock. Two engine-driven 24,000 btu units will cool and heat the wheelhouse while underway.Outsidethewheelhouseofthenew DeltaLaunchboatarewideside 49 JULY 2025'