Halter Marine, Inc., New Orleans, recently delivered the 87-foot pilot boat Elalat 9 to Marine and Transportation Services (Saudi), Ltd. The lightweight, steel-hull vessel will transport pilots and pollution-control authorities to and from oil tankers at the giant Sea Island petroleum port off the coast of Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia.
The Elalat 9 reaches speeds of 20 mph powered by her GM Detroit Diesel 116V-92TA diesel engines, each rated 850 bhp at 2,100 rpm. The reduction gears are Twin Disc MG-527 with a ratio of 2.92:1. The welded aluminum superstructure is insulated from the steel hull to prevent electrolytic corrosion. She has accommodations for six crewmen and is equipped with complete galley and mess facilities. A spacious lounge is also provided for the pilots.
The vessel has a fuel capacity of 6,000 gallons and fresh water capacity of 3,000 gallons. Two Detroit Diesel 3-71, 30-kw generators provide electrical power. One generator set is arranged for power takeoff to an Aurora pump and Elkhart fire monitor to pump 500 gpm of water for off-ship firefighting.
The Elalat 9 was built to American Bureau of Shipping requirements for small passenger vessels, and was certified +A-1, restricted to area of operation.