The two MZ12 PILOT boats built by AISTER for the National Port Authority (ENP) of Honduras undergo sea trials

Named “San Lorenzo” and “Merendón”, the vessels will operate in Puerto Henecán and Puerto Cortés, respectively, flying the Honduran flag upon completing the final trial phase in the Ría de Vigo.

Galician shipyard AISTER, specialists in the construction of high-performance marine aluminium vessels, has successfully completed the construction phase of two new MZ12 PILOT boats commissioned by the National Port Authority (Empresa Nacional Portuaria – ENP) of Honduras, and is currently conducting sea trials in the Ría de Vigo.

This milestone represents the culmination of the project announced by the company last October, aimed at strengthening pilotage services in Central America. With the launch of both units, it is confirmed that their final destination will be Honduras, whose national flag is proudly displayed on the wheelhouse of both craft alongside their official names and home ports.

Operational for the main ports of Honduras

Both pilot boats have been engineered and tailored to meet the specific operational requirements of their respective operational locations in the Central American nation:

• “San Lorenzo”: Assigned to the pilotage service at Puerto Henecán (San Lorenzo), a strategic hub for maritime trade on the Honduran Pacific coast.
• “Merendón”: Designated for Puerto Cortés, the country’s primary port infrastructure and one of the busiest cargo ports in Central America.

Both vessels measure approximately 12 metres in length overall with a beam of 4 metres, built on a deep-V monohull engineered from high-strength marine-grade aluminium. This design ensures exceptional seaworthiness, superior manoeuvrability, and a robust structural response during intensive boarding and pilot transfer operations.

Performance, reliability, and sea trials

During the current sea trials, AISTER’s technical team is evaluating hydrodynamic response, manoeuvring agility, and the performance of the twin propulsion system (comprising two marine diesel engines delivering 350 hp each). This configuration enables the MZ12 PILOT series to achieve sustained speeds in excess of 26 knots, balancing fuel efficiency and operational power.

Furthermore, comprehensive testing is being carried out regarding acoustic comfort levels, wheelhouse ergonomics, and the effectiveness of integrated navigation, life-saving, and fire-fighting systems, adhering strictly to international Merchant Navy standards and regulations.

Seeing both vessels sailing together in the Ría de Vigo after completing their construction is a matter of great pride for the entire team at AISTER. The MZ12 PILOT craft have been designed to provide maximum safety and agility to Honduran pilots in their daily duties of vessel handling and assistance to international shipping traffic.

— Francisco Pita, Technical Director at AISTER

Following the successful completion of sea trials in the Galician estuary and official acceptance, the vessels will be prepared for transport and immediate deployment into active service at Puerto Henecán and Puerto Cortés under the management of the National Port Authority (ENP).