“Texas City” to Join Fleet as First U.S. Pilot Boat Equipped with a SeakeeperGALVESTON TEXAS CITY PILOTS CHRISTEN NEW VESSEL “TEXAS CITY”
GALVESTON, TX - December 23, 2022 - The Galveston Texas City Pilots christened a new vessel, the Texas Class pilot boat “Texas City” on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
The “Texas City” is the third 70' Texas Class pilot boat in the Galveston Texas City Pilot’s fleet. Powered by triple Volvo IPS propulsion units, it will consume approximately 30% less fuel than the existing 70' boats, resulting in future cost savings and helping to reduce carbon footprint. In addition, the “Texas City” features a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer which greatly reduces the rolling of the vessel when underway. This is the first pilot boat equipped with a Seakeeper in the U.S.
“We are so proud to christen this very unique and critical vessel today,” remarked Captain Mark Saunders, Presiding Officer of the Galveston Texas City Pilots. “This marks a very important time of growth and service for our organization and we look forward to moving maritime economy and traffic for years to come.”
The “Texas City” will join the existing fleet vessels “Texas” and “Galveston.”
The mission of the Galveston-Texas City Pilots is to guide vessels safely to their berths or out to sea. A Galveston Texas City Pilot’s primary responsibility is to protect the public interest of the State of Texas by facilitating the safe and efficient movement of vessels in state waters by exercising independent judgment to protect the property, lives, environment, and the economic well-being of the Ports of Galveston County. For more information, visit www.galvestonpilots.com or email info@galvestonpilots.com.
The “Texas City” is the newest addition to the Galveston Texas City Pilots fleet.
Texas City Mayor, Dedrick D. Johnson and Port of Texas City Executive Director Ramiro
Barba ceremoniously break the champagne over the bow of “Texas City.”
