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).

The post The two MZ12 PILOT boats built by AISTER for the National Port Authority (ENP) of Honduras undergo sea trials appeared first on Aister.

The AISTER shipyard yesterday hosted a key milestone in the construction of the catamaran built for the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The institutional visit, led by the President of the French overseas territory, Mr Bernard Briand, served to confirm the rapid progress of the project and to make official the vessel’s definitive name: JANOT (previously known during the initial contract phase as Jeune France II).

Institutional meeting in Moaña

The day began at 13:30 with an institutional meeting at Moaña Town Hall alongside the Mayor, Leticia Santos Paz. During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the deep historical roots and shared identity that have united the seafaring towns of the Morrazo region with the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon for centuries through fishing tradition and seafaring heritage.

Technical milestone in the workshop: installation of the transom frame

Afterwards, the delegation moved to the shipyard facilities, where the day’s key technical milestone took place at 14:15: the installation of the transom frame, the final frame completing the aluminium catamaran’s hull structure.

Following a welcome address by Javier Rasilla, Managing Director of AISTER, the delegation toured the various ongoing projects. Bernard Briand was accompanied by Christophe Rident, representing the naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine, contracted by the client to design the vessel, and Rob Young, from Marine Design Solutions, responsible for technical inspection on behalf of the client. Representing the shipyard were AISTER’s President alongside the entire technical and management team assigned to the project.

Real-time technical coordination

During the visit, the delegation observed live one of the weekly technical monitoring meetings held via videoconference between AISTER’s engineering team—led by Technical Director Francisco Pita—and the Saint Pierre and Miquelon technical office, allowing the President to see first-hand the rigorous coordination with which the project is being executed.

With the structural work now fully completed, the catamaran JANOT moves forward into the upcoming fitting-out phases, including equipment installation and interior assembly, consolidating AISTER’s position as an international benchmark in aluminium shipbuilding for passenger transport and professional services.

The post AISTER celebrates progress on the construction of the “JANOT” catamaran for Saint Pierre and Miquelon with an institutional visit appeared first on Aister.

The new vessel joins the fleet of the Guardia Civil’s Maritime Service (SEMAR) following the delivery of the sixth boat, the ‘Río Antas’, last December. The HS60 series continues to build on its international success after the ‘Río Guadalmedina’ was awarded Best Interceptor of the Year.

Vigo-based shipyard AISTER continues to consolidate its position as a leading builder of high-speed aluminium vessels with the delivery of the ‘Río Odiel’. This is the seventh HS60 series interceptor patrol boat commissioned by the Spanish Guardia Civil for its Maritime Service (SEMAR), specifically designed to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.

With the delivery of the ‘Río Odiel’, AISTER reaches another milestone in fulfilling this major contract, maintaining a steady pace of production and advanced naval engineering. This achievement comes just a few months after the sixth unit of the series, the ‘Río Antas’, was handed over to the law enforcement agency in December—now fully operational in protecting and patrolling Spanish coastal waters.

An Award-Winning, Proven Design for SEMAR

The HS60 series has established itself as a benchmark in naval architecture and maritime security. Highlighting this prestige, the fifth vessel in the series, the ‘Río Guadalmedina’, was named Best Interceptor of the Year by the renowned international publication Baird Maritime.

The award recognised AISTER’s commitment to developing a cutting-edge product that excels in speed, manoeuvrability, and crew safety.

Technical Specifications of the HS60 Interceptor

Like her sister ships, the ‘Río Odiel’ has been designed from the ground up to operate under the most demanding conditions at sea:

• Speed and Power: Powered by twin inboard engines and waterjet propulsion, the HS60 easily exceeds 60 knots top speed.
• Exceptional Manoeuvrability: Thanks to an advanced hull design, the vessel can perform tight turns and high-speed evasive or interception manoeuvres with complete stability.
• Safety and Ergonomics: Features a 360° visibility wheelhouse and state-of-the-art shock-mitigation seating to safeguard the crew during high-speed pursuits in adverse sea conditions.
• Marine-Grade Aluminium Construction: Her aluminium hull delivers maximum structural strength, lightweight agility, and long-term durability against marine wear and tear.

With this seventh delivery, AISTER reinforces its commitment to law enforcement agencies, providing cutting-edge technology to meet 21st-century maritime security challenges.

The post AISTER delivers the ‘Río Odiel’, the seventh HS60 interceptor patrol boat to the Guardia Civil appeared first on Aister.

Since the doors opened at the Vigo Exhibition Centre (IFEVI) on 19 May, our booth (Hall 2 – Booth 2C18) became a dynamic and vibrant meeting point. Clients, partners, suppliers, collaborators, and top institutional representatives joined us day after day, far exceeding all our previous expectations and reminding us of the immense value of proximity, closeness, and mutual trust.

Beyond the impressive attendance figures, the true heart of our participation lay in every shared conversation, every exchange of knowledge, and every new engineering project that began to take shape for the months ahead.

For us, Navalia is the perfect showcase to establish new relationships with both clients and collaborators. AISTER’s current success is built upon developing custom projects tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client. — Francisco Pita, Technical Director of AISTER

The roadmap to the naval future: Video highlights

For those who were unable to join us in person, or for anyone wishing to relive the energy that filled our exhibition space, we have prepared an exclusive audiovisual feature. It captures the atmosphere of professional synergy, the warmth of our team, and the technological innovation milestones we champion under our unmistakable motto: “Sea professionals for sea workers”.

This 2026 continues to be defined by a clear trajectory of evolution, backed by internationally acclaimed projects such as our award-winning HS60 high-speed interceptor patrol boat, considered a benchmark for interceptor craft on a global scale.

The interceptor is our latest project associated with international awards and is a clear reflection of the path we have been carving out over the last ten years. We are currently working on several key strategic lines: unmanned vessels, high-speed patrol boats, and eco-resilient aluminium craft featuring electric or hybrid zero-emission propulsion systems. — Javier Rasilla, Managing Director of AISTER

AISTER in the media: Analysis on Onda Cero Radio

The impact of our technological proposal also caught the attention of leading national news outlets. During the event, our Managing Director, Javier Rasilla, took part in an in-depth interview on a special Onda Cero Vigo radio programme. He detailed the upcoming challenges facing the shipbuilding industry and explained how our company is pioneering the marine ecological transition through the use of premium aluminium and clean technologies.

Listen to the full interview: > Press play on the media player below. The intervention by our Managing Director, Javier Rasilla, is focused from minute 06:00 to 12:30, where he discusses the upcoming challenges in aluminium shipbuilding in detail.

We would like to extend our sincere and deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to visit us, as well as to the entire workforce and team at AISTER. Their tireless dedication and daily commitment made it possible for Navalia 2026 to become our most successful and memorable edition yet.

We continue sailing together towards the future!

The post AISTER at Navalia 2026: A resounding success in the exhibition’s busiest edition ever appeared first on Aister.

This innovative naval project, valued at close to four million euros, is scheduled for delivery in September 2027. The vessel will enter service for the Territorial Collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, replacing the current Jeune France on the strategic route between the port of Saint-Pierre and Langlade Island.

Tailor-Made Design: Direct Beach Landing Capability

The Jeune France II stands out for its technical versatility. Measuring 22.5 metres in length with a beam of 7.5 metres, this aluminium catamaran has a capacity for 100 passengers.

Due to the lack of port infrastructure on Langlade Island, AISTER’s design incorporates specific engineering features for safe beach landing operations:

• Optimised trim: Enables the bow to make direct and secure contact with the seabed..
• Integrated logistics: Equipped with a hydraulic bow ramp to facilitate passenger disembarkation and the transport of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.

Hybrid Propulsion: Commitment to Sustainable Development

In line with AISTER’s commitment to the energy transition, the vessel’s design prioritises the reduction of carbon emissions. The key feature is its parallel hybrid propulsion system, combining:

• Latest-generation diesel engines: Two 368 kW units compliant with the strict IMO Tier III low-emission regulations.
• Electric propulsion system: Allows silent, zero-emission port manoeuvres and low-speed navigation.

This configuration will enable the catamaran to achieve a service speed of 12 knots, balancing operational efficiency with respect for the marine ecosystem.

Excellence from the Vigo Estuary

The entire construction and outfitting process will be carried out at AISTER’s facilities in Moaña. With this new milestone, the shipyard further strengthens its position as an international benchmark in aluminium shipbuilding, delivering technological solutions that define the future of professional marine transport.

Key Insight: The Jeune France II is not only a step forward in passenger transport, but also a clear example of how aluminium shipbuilding offers greater lightness, durability and energy efficiency compared with traditional steel construction.

The post AISTER to Build the Jeune France II: A New Hybrid Aluminium Catamaran for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon appeared first on Aister.

International publication Baird Maritime has named our high-speed patrol boat, the HS60 Rio Guadalmedina, as the Best Interceptor of the Year in their Work Boat World Awards. This accolade, one of the most respected in the professional marine industry, reinforces our design’s position in the global maritime security market.

This latest recognition consolidates a seven-year trajectory during which AISTER has successfully seen five of its projects ranked among the best in the world within their respective categories.

A Trackrecord of Technical Reliability

Since 2018, consistency in design and aluminium construction has enabled us to receive this distinction on five occasions. This recurrence validates our ability to apply technical innovation to diverse operational requirements with proven results:

• 2018: The SPEIS II fire and rescue vessel initiated this series of awards.

• 2019: The S39 patrol boat was named Best Coast Guard Vessel.

• 2021: Our oil spill response vessel for the Panama Canal led the pollution control category.

• 2022: La Charente stood out as the Best River Tourist Boat.

• 2025: The HS60 Rio Guadalmedina now joins as a benchmark in the interception segment.

Performance and Safety: The HS60

The HS60 Rio Guadalmedina, designed for the Spanish Guardia Civil’s Maritime Service, was conceived to respond to the most demanding scenarios. The award recognises its capacity to reach speeds exceeding 60 knots while maintaining a balance between manoeuvrability and structural safety—critical factors for crew protection during high-speed missions.

The use of marine-grade aluminium allows us to combine the lightness required for performance with the robustness and sustainability that define all our projects at the Moaña shipyard.

Commitment to Naval Architecture

At AISTER, we welcome this fifth Baird Maritime award as a validation of the extensive work carried out by our team. This international recognition is, above all, a testament to our clients’ confidence in our technical capacity to lead complex naval projects.

The post AISTER secures fifth international award with ‘Best Interceptor’ win for the HS60 ‘Rio Guadalmedina’ appeared first on Aister.

Vigo once again becomes the epicentro of the maritime industry as Navalia takes place on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of May. At AISTER, we are returning to IFEVI with the excitement of “playing at home” and a strong desire to share a year that is proving to be particularly significant for us.

We arrive at this event with the momentum of having received the “Interceptor of the Year” award at the Best of 2025 Awards for our HS60. This is a testament to our motto, “Sea Professionals for Sea Workers”, which drives us to continue delivering cutting-edge, lightweight, and ultra-resistant aluminium solutions.

Visit us at Stand 2C18

Beyond the vessels and the technology, Navalia is a meeting point for us to connect with friends, partners, and clients. Therefore, we would like to personally invite you to visit us at Stand 2C18.

It will be a pleasure to welcome you to discuss your upcoming projects, exchange views on market trends, or simply catch up and share our vision regarding the challenges facing the modern naval industry.

• Dates: 19, 20, and 21 May.

• Venue: IFEVI, Vigo.

• AISTER Location: Stand 2C18.

Innovation is proven at sea but planned on land. We look forward to seeing you at Navalia to design the future of the sea together!

The post AISTER Sets Sail for Navalia 2026 appeared first on Aister.

Throughout the day, the students were accompanied by Professor and member Raúl Villa Caro and were welcomed by our Managing Director, Javier Rasilla, who introduced them to AISTER’s activities and shared our vision for innovation and development within the naval industry.

The visit began in the technical office, where AISTER’s Technical Director, Francisco Pita, presented part of the work we carry out in naval engineering and design. Students gained first-hand insight into how client ideas and requirements are transformed into practical technical solutions, as well as the planning and development processes that form part of our team’s daily work.

The tour then continued through the production areas, where Ángel González explained the construction processes and the different manufacturing stages involved in our projects. The students also visited the shipbuilding area, where they were able to observe the construction of our vessels and better understand the integration between engineering, production and quality.

At AISTER, we particularly value initiatives such as these, which help connect the academic environment with the business world while encouraging practical learning. We strongly believe in supporting the education of future generations of naval engineers and in maintaining active collaboration with institutions across the sector.

As a company, we remain committed to being an organisation open to young talent, promoting knowledge exchange and contributing to the development of the naval industry through education, innovation and cooperation with academic and professional institutions.

We would like to thank the Official College of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers and the students for their visit, and we wish them every success in their future professional careers within the naval industry.

The post AISTER welcomes students from the Naval and Ocean Engineering Degree during their Technical Visit 2026 appeared first on Aister.

Today, AISTER delivered to the Headquarters of the Maritime Service of the Spanish Civil Guard (SEMAR) the sixth unit of the HS60 model, one of the most advanced high-speed interceptors in the world. The vessel, named RÍO ANTAS, is the first of the third contract awarded to AISTER and follows the recent RÍO GUADALMEDINA, presented last May at the international defence exhibition FEINDEF.

The handover took place at AISTER’s facilities in Moaña, in an event attended by representatives of the Civil Guard. After final preparations, the vessel will join maritime surveillance, control and anti–drug-trafficking operations.

A pioneering interceptor on a global scale

The HS60 is a vessel developed and built by AISTER that has set a global milestone in its class. It is the first interceptor capable of exceeding 60 knots with waterjet propulsion, combining extreme speed, advanced manoeuvrability and unique dynamic performance in tactical operations.

Its most notable capabilities include:

• Over 60 knots top speed, with excellent operational reliability.

• Crash-stop manoeuvres in under two boat lengths, even at high speed.

• Tight turns and precise control, essential for pursuit operations.

• 18-metre hull, built in high-strength aluminium and optimised for maritime security missions.

• Advanced navigation, communication and safety systems, fully adapted to SEMAR standards.

These features make the HS60 a strategic asset in the fight against drug trafficking, particularly in high-risk operational areas.

A project progressing at a strong pace

With the delivery of RÍO ANTAS, AISTER has now completed six of the eight units, further consolidating its position as a leading Spanish shipbuilder in aluminium vessels for security and defence missions.

“Each new HS60 we deliver represents a step forward in the operational capability of the Civil Guard and demonstrates AISTER’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the maritime domain. RÍO ANTAS is a vessel designed to make a difference where it is needed most,”
                                                                                       emphasised AISTER’s technical team.

The remaining two units are currently under construction and will be delivered over the coming months.

The post AISTER delivers the sixth HS60 interceptor to the Guardia Civil: RÍO ANTAS appeared first on Aister.

At AISTER we continue to strengthen our international presence. Our next project is the construction of two MZ12 PILOT vessels, which will be delivered throughout 2026 to a client in Central America.

This project reinforces confidence in our expertise in aluminium shipbuilding and in the development of high-performance vessels designed for pilotage services, a sector where reliability and safety are essential.

MZ12 PILOT: aluminium design and high performance

The new MZ12 PILOT vessels measure around 12 metres in length and 4 metres in beam, featuring a deep-V monohull built entirely from marine-grade aluminium. Their design has been conceived to deliver outstanding manoeuvrability while maintaining excellent stability at sea. All of this makes them ideal craft for safely carrying out pilot transfer operations in both port and coastal environments.

The propulsion system consists of twin 350 HP marine diesel engines, delivering optimal performance with speeds exceeding 24 knots. This balance guarantees that the vessels can operate efficiently and reliably to meet the demanding requirements of daily pilotage service.

Comfort and safety on board

The aluminium cabin has been designed with a clear focus on the comfort and protection of those on board. It features ergonomic suspension seats for the pilot and co-pilot, along with six additional adjustable suspension seats for pilots and crew. The large glazed area provides 360-degree panoramic visibility, which is crucial during manoeuvres to approach large vessels. In addition, noise and vibration insulation, together with air conditioning on board, significantly enhance the sailing experience, ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment.

In terms of equipment, the MZ12 PILOT vessels comply with international standards, integrating communication, navigation, rescue, bilge and fire-fighting systems that further strengthen operational safety.

Another step in our international expansion

This project reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence in shipbuilding, offering solutions tailored to each client’s needs and to specific operating conditions.

The two MZ12 PILOT vessels to be delivered in 2026 will be dedicated to pilot transfer operations in port environments, contributing to enhanced maritime safety and traffic efficiency across the region.

At AISTER, we continue sailing into the future, building safe, efficient vessels ready to meet the most demanding conditions anywhere in the world.

The post AISTER to build two MZ12 PILOT vessels for the American continent appeared first on Aister.