Seakeeper’s motion control technology can improve the performance of even the most impressive of workboats. Partnering with Seakeeper and Gladding-Hearn, the Charleston Pilots did just that, once again setting the bar for excellence.
On a beautiful Autumn afternoon in Charleston, SC, way back in 2014, MarineNews had the good fortune to attend the christening of the nation’s first dual-purpose, rapid response vessel and pilot launch. As the first vessel designed for offshore salvage and firefighting requirements, Fort Ripley was also notably the first commercial application of Volvo Penta’s IPS drive propulsion.
At the time, the vessel also represented an interesting twist in the Charleston Branch Pilots’ business model. With a Tier III compliant propulsion arrangement designed to burn 30 percent less fuel than any of the other three vessels in the Charleston Pilot fleet, the vessel’s long-range endurance has, over time, allowed it to respond to maritime events all along the mid-Atlantic coastline.
The new delivery was, in short, a welcome addition to the port of Charleston. “The Fort Ripley was designed to add the best combination of readiness and response capabilities to the Port of Charleston we could fit into a pilot launch,” says Captain W. Crayton Walters, President, Charleston Pilots. He added, “As our first post-9/11 new-build, and with the evolution of port contingency planning and emergency response objectives, we recognized that pilot vessels can, and in fact inherently do, serve in a readiness and response role concurrent with providing pilotage services. So, we built the FORT RIPLEY with additional features to enhance that readiness and best serve the port should an emergency occur.”
To that end, the Fort Ripley has been listed with the Coast Guard as an available vessel response plan asset since it was commissioned in 2014 and has responded to a number of emergencies including persons-in-the water, vessel and structure fires, and vessel sinkings. As February 2025 rolls on, this impressive platform is about to get even more capable.
Photo: Peter Boyce Hunt Design
Leveraging Trust, Experience, and Competence
As they looked to improve the already impressive capabilities of Fort Ripley, the Charleston Pilots naturally also looked to Gladding Hearn for help.
Captain Walters told MarineNews, “The Charleston Pilots’ first boat build with Gladding Hearn was in 1960. Ever since that first hull, we have had a long relationship with Gladding Hearn and Ray Hunt design. We have had many boats made to our specifications and needs, always asking for and receiving the best quality and workmanship around stable and safe pilot boats. GH has always delivered boats to us that are well designed, well made, backed by an outstanding company that stands by their work and product.”
According to Peter Duclos, President, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Gladding-Hearn and the Charleston Pilots have enjoyed an excellent relationship since their very first order. Paying the pilots the ultimate compliment, he adds, “They are a forward-thinking organization and have pushed us on several occasions to develop new designs which have benefited the industry as a whole.”
Even as technology and materials changed over time, Charleston Pilots’ relationship with the Duclos family has been a constant since 1960. In this case, the Charleston Pilots are a return customer; something that shows real loyalty and trust. But Gladding Hearn is known for being the east coast’s busiest pilot boat builder, and for a long time. Duclos explains why, telling MarineNews, “We have delivered over 100 pilot boats since 1957. More than 30 pilot groups operate Gladding-Hearn boats; some of which have been resold several times.”
2014: A New Vessel Earns its Stripes
Even back in 2014, a guided tour and short excursion aboard the versatile vessel was ample proof of the workboat’s clever design, with scarcely a tremor in the vessel’s spacious and high-tech wheelhouse even at speeds of 28+ KT. Looking back on that event, it is clear that Volvo Penta’s turnkey IPS propulsion package, then a novelty but now increasingly a staple of the North American workboat scene, would be a success.
The Fort Ripley, powered by triple Volvo Penta IPS drives, is a U.S. Coast Guard-certificated 64-ft. aluminum boat, owned by Southeast Ocean Response Services Inc. Built by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, and designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the boat’s original primary mission was to allow ships to meet federal requirements for rapid offshore firefighting, salvage, and emergency response, providing coverage between Morehead City, N.C., and St. Augustine, Fla. It was also equipped to serve as a fireboat in Charleston Harbor, a supply boat for ships at anchor, and an additional launch for the Charleston Pilots and other marine operators in the region.
The three IPS drives, each powered by a commercially rated Volvo Penta D13-700 diesel engine, are independently steerable, with dual counter-rotating forward-facing propellers to maximize efficiency and increase maneuverability. The IPS can be controlled from the wheelhouse or either of the two aft docking stations using a three-axis joystick. The Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) provides fully automatic hands-off precise station-keeping under GPS control. The triple-engine configuration allows the center engine to decouple from the drive and power a 3,500-GPM fire pump while the two outboard drives easily maneuver the vessel or maintain position automatically using DPS.
- A live look at Seakeeper’s other recent installation on a Galveston Pilot Boat.
Even back then, the value of the boat was clear. “Fort Ripley is a truly revolutionary boat,” said Ron Huibers, President, Volvo Penta of the Americas. “The combination of the Hunt-designed hull and our IPS drives with DPS sets a new standard in terms of speed, maneuverability, fuel economy, and seaworthiness to meet multiple mission requirements. This vessel represents the future of the next generation of multi-purpose response boats.”
Multi-missioned, economical to run, U.S.-built and designed, and environmentally compliant, Fort Ripley is arguably the quintessential definition of the modern workboat: nothing left to chance, and everything included.
Larger ferries, like vehicle ferries, are typically well outside of our displacement limit of roughly 500 standard tons.”
With Seakeeper’s proven track record in improving stability and reducing boat roll, it’s no surprise that the commercial marine market is taking notice. The success of the integration project with the Galveston Pilots and the positive feedback from the Charleston Pilots showcase the tangible benefits that Seakeeper can bring to vessels of all sizes.
As Seakeeper continues to ramp up its commercial penetration, there is no doubt that more and more vessels will benefit from this innovative technology. With a wide range of models available and the ability to customize solutions for larger vessels, Seakeeper is well-positioned to make waves in the commercial marine industry.
So, whether you’re a pilot organization looking to enhance safety and efficiency, or a commercial vessel operator seeking to improve stability and comfort for passengers and crew, Seakeeper has the technology to meet your needs. With a proven track record, a global dealer network, and a commitment to excellence, Seakeeper is setting a new standard for marine motion control technology.
In the ever-evolving world of maritime technology, Seakeeper is leading the way with innovative solutions that are revolutionizing the way vessels operate. With Seakeeper on board, the future of marine motion control looks stable and secure.
The Impact of Larger Ferries on the Marine Market
When it comes to marine vessels, size matters. Larger ferries, like vehicle ferries, often exceed the displacement limit of roughly 500 standard tons. These massive vessels are essential for transporting vehicles, goods, and passengers across waterways, but they also pose unique challenges in terms of maneuverability and stability.
In the United States, there are currently over 9,000 self-propelled domestic commercial vessels operating in coastal waters, alongside an estimated 12 million recreational craft. With such a crowded market, it takes a special kind of technology to keep these boats steady and safe. That’s where Seakeeper comes in.
Seakeeper is a leading provider of gyroscopic stabilization technology for boats of all sizes. Their innovative systems help reduce boat roll, improving comfort and safety for passengers and crew alike. By harnessing the power of gyroscopes, Seakeeper can make even the largest ferries more stable and seaworthy.
Introducing the Fort Ripley
One example of a large and impressive vessel that could benefit from Seakeeper’s technology is the Fort Ripley. Built by Gladding‐Hearn Shipbuilding and designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the Fort Ripley is a 62-foot aluminum vessel with a displacement of 130,000 pounds when loaded.
With a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 23 knots, the Fort Ripley is powered by three Volvo Penta D‐13 diesel engines, each generating 700 horsepower. It has a fuel capacity of 2,100 gallons and a range of 500 miles at top speed, making it a formidable vessel for coastal operations.
Equipped with a Hunt Deep‐V hull design, the Fort Ripley is designed for stability and efficiency in a variety of sea conditions. Its two 30 kW Northern Lights generators provide ample power for onboard systems and amenities, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers and crew.
Whether navigating busy coastal waters or crossing open seas, vessels like the Fort Ripley rely on advanced technology to stay safe and steady. With Seakeeper’s gyroscopic stabilization systems, even the largest ferries can navigate with confidence and grace.
Photo: Peter Boyce Hunt Design