Navigating the Navigators
The Benefits from Advanced Integrated Bridge Technology for Pilot Vessels
A Collaborative Approach to Delivering a Next-Generation Pilot Vessel
The Port of Milford Haven, the United Kingdom’s most strategically important energy port, commissioned the newbuild pilot vessel, Llanion, to further strengthen its pilotage operations. Built by Next Generation Shipyards and equipped with an integrated bridge solution by Sperry Marine, the vessel reflects a shared commitment to safety, operational reliability, and performance.
Every day, the skilled Launch Crew and Pilots from the Port of Milford Haven ensure the safe and efficient movement of all piloted vessels on the Milford Haven Waterway. They perform a mission-critical role in global maritime safety, transferring marine pilots safely to and from commercial vessels, often in adverse sea states, tidal conditions, and visibility.
To ensure the marine operations work effectively not only requires significant local knowledge and ship handling expertise but also a navigation system the Port of Milford Haven Mariners can rely on in all situations, when executing efficient shipping manoeuvres. Another challenge is these pilot boats being short, nimble workboats. Milford Haven's new boat is a 22-metre transfer pilot craft. A crisp reminder that these vessels are powerful, but physically small compared with the bridge real estate available on e.g. an LNG carrier.
"The wheelhouse leaves very little room for equipment, and crews need clear sightlines, fast access to information and reliable performance in constantly changing conditions to ensure the safety of the team and operations. This creates a level of space pressure that deep-sea vessels simply don't have, and the setup of Sperry Marine fits this environment perfectly.” Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven
Compact Set-Up with Precise Vessel Control and High Situational Awareness During Critical Maneuvers
At the core of the vessel is an integrated bridge solution powered by Sperry Marine technology, designed to support precise vessel control and confident decision-making.
Sperry Marine was engaged at an early stage as system integrator for the navigation and bridge system. This timely project involvement enabled a structured kick-off phase, during which priorities, timelines, and operational requirements were aligned between shipyard, system integrator and end
user.
A crucial part of the compact set-up was the panel PCs, combining several bridge functions in one slim unit and keeping the consoles tidy, reducing at the same time the need for bulky displays. The network architecture is streamlined and resilient, making maintenance easy during short port stops while still delivering full redundancy. Even in a tight wheelhouse, the crew gets an intuitive and
capable bridge layout that supports quick decisions during pilot transfers.
The integrated bridge solution includes the VisionMaster Net X-Band radar, high situational awareness and provides critical support during demanding maneuvers. Advanced pilot workstations using marine grade 19-inch and 24-inch Panel PCs enable intuitive multi-display operation, giving mariners a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of the navigational situation.
The latest addition to the Port of Milford Haven’s pilot boat fleet is equipped with the NAVIGAT 2500, a strap-down fiber optic compass which encompasses highest lifetime, no scheduled maintenance requirements and highest accuracy for safe navigation. Adding the fully integrated NAVISTAR THD compass, the overall compass system provides build-in technology redundancy using less equipment and ensuring highly accurate course determination — resulting in a safer, more robust, and less error-prone navigation system.
The networked, adaptive, and self-tuning NAVIPILOT 4500N HSC Heading Control System continuously adjusts to changing sea conditions. By optimising course efficiency and minimising rudder movements, it significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The autopilot’s intuitive touchscreen interface further enhances readability and ease of use during high-workload operations.
Integrating additional navigation and communication technologies into the Integrated Bridge System (IBS) -such as a combined AIS/DGNSS unit, an echosounder, a wind‑measurement system, and the GMDSS system - creates a more cohesive, efficient, and secure bridge environment.
Additional integration of a CCTV feed on the conning display, together with the vessel’s PA system, enables the crew to quickly detect unusual activities and respond promptly. This holistic approach to bridge integration strengthens safety, supports better decision-making, and contributes to overall vessel security and performance.
Project Management and Delivery. Structured Coordination in a Dynamic Environment
The project stands as a strong example of how early alignment, structured project management, and close cooperation between shipyard, system integrator, and end user can deliver a future-ready pilot vessel tailored to the specific operational requirements of the pilots.
Sperry Marine’s international project management supported the project from the initial project kickoff through planning and design to delivery. The team’s role was to coordinate activities across engineering, logistics, service, and shipyard interfaces, ensuring smooth execution in a dynamic newbuild environment.
Key project management activities included the coordination of connection drawings and technical interfaces with project engineering, the validation of scope of supply to ensure alignment with enduser requirements, the planning of partial equipment deliveries in line with shipyard schedules and the coordination of commissioning, harbour acceptance tests and sea acceptance tests in close cooperation with service teams.
This approach reflects Sperry Marine´s focus on system integration and reliable project delivery and
long-term operability with full lifecycle support.
"Continuous communication between Sperry Marine and Next Generation Shipyards was central to the project´s execution. Thanks to regular meetings with the Sperry Marine Team, we could identify and therefore avoid risks early in the project and realize a timely decision-making with pragmatic adjustments to scope and schedule when required. To ensure the vessel is fitted with the appropriate equipment and a fully redundant configuration, allowing for reliable operation in even the harshest conditions and most demanding operational environments” Steven Bonder, Project manager at Next Generation Shipyards
A Shared Success
The vessel has recently been launched in the Netherlands and is now undergoing trials ahead of entering service at Milford Haven. It's part of the port's effort to modernize and future-proof its pilot fleet and the Sperry Marine Team is happy to support that with a solution that performs well in both large and very compact bridge environments. For Next Generation Shipyards and Sperry Marine, the project reinforces a shared reputation for delivering high-quality, complex maritime solutions tailored to the needs of demanding operational environments.
The successful delivery of this next-generation pilot vessel demonstrates the value of structured collaboration between all stakeholders. It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when shipbuildingexpertise, trusted maritime technology and operational end-user insights come together.
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Media Contacts
Sperry Marine
Sarah Barrett, Head of Marketing & Products
sarah.barrett@sperrymarine.com
About Sperry Marine
Sperry is a global leader in advanced navigation and control solutions for the maritime industry, driving innovation and safety at sea. Our heritage and expertise span decades, making us the trusted choice for commercial and military vessels worldwide. Our expertise is built on a legacy of innovation and precision - rooted in the pioneering work of historic brands such as Sperry Gyrocompass, C. Plath, and Decca Marine. Since 2001, Sperry Marine is proud to be part of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
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