Pilot boat transport from Estonia to USA

We thrive on challenges, and one particularly special one came from our valued client and partner, Baltic Workboats. They entrusted us with the task of handling the pilot boat transport of their brand-new 17-meter vessel from their factory in Nasva, Saaremaa, to their client in New York, USA.

Vessel transport, and project cargo, in particular, demands meticulous attention to detail. Foreseeing and preventing potential disruptions is essential to ensure timely delivery.

As a first step in pilot boat transport, we developed a fast and cost-effective logistics plan. Once the client had approved the logistics details, we were able to move forward with the specifics of the pilot boat transport. This entailed applying for the necessary permits, organizing loading and lashing plans, and preparing all the necessary documentation, including handling customs procedures. Our logistics plan ran from the Saaremaa factory to Bremerhaven in Germany, where the vessel was lifted on board the containership. From Bremerhaven, it sailed smoothly to New York, USA.

To ensure the safety and to minimize any possible damage to the vessel, we provided our marine surveyor for the lifting operations. Our surveyor, Getter, played a crucial role in overseeing the safe lifting and securing of the pilot boat. She ensured that the vessel was carefully handled, using the appropriate tools to guarantee its safe and undamaged arrival to New York.

Despite our careful planning, there are external factors that can impact project cargo logistics. For instance, during this pilot boat transport, a strike occurred that affected the departure of the cargo ship from Germany. As a result, it caused a delay in the pilot boat’s arrival in New York.

“I would describe this transport with the keyword ‘smooth cooperation’,” commented senior surveyor Getter Kaevandes from Workboats Consulting. “First and foremost, I would like to highlight the excellent cooperation with Baltic Workboats. The teamwork, information exchange, and mutual understanding were superb. I would also like to underline the good cooperation and communication with the port’s stevedores, who played a significant part in the logistical aspect of the transport. Of course, we must not forget the often-overlooked role of the ship’s crew. Their skills and commitment were crucial in ensuring the safe ocean crossing of the pilot boat. The cooperation with all parties involved could be described as smooth sailing!”

“On another note, it was heartwarming to welcome a home-built ship on the other side of the globe, so far from Estonia. This is a remarkable achievement for the Estonian maritime industry and confirms its reliability. It also demonstrates the vast demand around the world for vessels produced by Baltic Workboats,” added Kaevandes.

Arro Truumees, Project Manager of Baltic Workboats, shared his satisfaction with the outcome of the pilot boat transport, saying: “Workboats Consulting not only delivered our pilot boat to New York safely but also ensured a stress-free process for our team. Their comprehensive service, from managing the paperwork to overseeing a thorough inspection, was outstanding. It’s partnerships like this that strengthen our confidence when dealing with global deliveries.”

If you need a reliable partner for your vessel transport, contact us for a consultation at hello@wbcons.ee, and together we will find the best way to transport your vessel.


Find out how to choose a reliable partner for your vessel transport and why you should choose Workboats Consulting as your transport partner.