Milford Haven Port Authority pilots Zelim SWIFT system to boost UK maritime safety

Zelim’s SWIFT man-overboard recovery system trialled on pilot vessel

The Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has fitted Zelim’s SWIFT man-overboard recovery conveyor to a 19-metre pilot vessel as part of a three-month trial.

This trial aims to evaluate the system’s capability in challenging sea conditions, a critical factor given the Port’s regular exposure to Atlantic swells.

According to Zelim, SWIFT was installed on the 2009-built Picton following a successful demonstration on the River Forth, Scotland, where “casualties” were swiftly retrieved within one minute.

Andy Tipping, Zelim’s Business Development Director, explained the MHPA’s intentions: “Demonstrations last year were a huge success, but the MHPA wanted to retrofit SWIFT to an operational vessel to validate its capability in heavy weather before making any procurement decisions.”

High sea testing results show positive outcomes

Initial testing results have shown SWIFT’s performance meets expectations even in 2.5-metre swells, some of the highest sea states encountered so far.

Tipping noted: “Picton has already trialled SWIFT in 2.5m swells, which is the most challenging sea condition we have encountered to date.

“It’s taken SWIFT to a new level, but it still performed very, very well, as we knew it would.”

These results reinforce the potential of SWIFT for applications in hazardous sea environments where pilot safety is crucial.

John Warneford, Assistant Harbourmaster at MHPA, highlighted the benefits of these trials: “These trials allow us to better understand how the technology can improve operational safety for our crews and pilots, but it also supports the rapid recovery of any person in the water.”

Potential integration into new pilot boats under construction

If the SWIFT system meets performance standards in this trial, MHPA may integrate it into a series of 22-metre pilot vessels currently being built.

The vessels, produced by Netherlands-based Next Generation Shipyards, are set for delivery next year.

This integration could enhance safety features for MHPA’s fleet operating in high-risk maritime conditions, particularly during pilot transfers, a task often carried out in adverse weather.

Pilot vessels serve a vital role in safe vessel boarding and departure operations, but they also come with inherent risks.

Tipping stated: “Pilot boats present a particular challenge to seafarers as they provide a vital service in the worst possible maritime conditions.” He added that SWIFT could significantly “set the benchmark high for crew safety.”

Presentation at UKMPA conference

Zelim and MHPA will present their findings and showcase the SWIFT system at the 136th annual conference of the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA).

The event, scheduled for 19-21 November in Harrogate, UK, will bring together UK harbourmasters and pilots to discuss maritime safety innovations.

The presentation will allow Zelim and MHPA to highlight the potential operational advantages of the SWIFT system.

SWIFT is a conveyor belt rescue technology approved by Lloyd’s Register, designed to rapidly recover people from the water by lowering the belt into the sea and pulling individuals to safety.

Sam Mayall, Zelim’s CEO, stated: “The clock starts ticking the moment someone falls overboard, so the faster you can get someone out of the water the greater the chances of recovering them safely and unharmed.”

The conference will provide a platform to demonstrate SWIFT’s practical application in high-risk settings.

Milford Haven Port Authority pilots Zelim SWIFT system to boost UK maritime safety: Summary

The Milford Haven Port Authority has installed Zelim’s SWIFT man-overboard recovery system on a 19-metre pilot vessel for a three-month evaluation, testing the system’s capabilities in high-sea conditions.

Initial trials have shown SWIFT’s effectiveness in 2.5-metre swells, supporting its use in hazardous maritime settings.

If successful, SWIFT may be fitted on new 22-metre pilot boats being constructed for MHPA.

Both Zelim and MHPA will present the technology at the UKMPA conference in Harrogate in November, where they will discuss its potential to enhance pilot and crew safety.