THE owner of Teesport and legal guardians of the River Tees, PD Ports, has welcomed the arrival of a new £1.35m pilot vessel, Stainsby, to its fleet.

Mia MacDonald, who has recently finished her apprenticeship at PD Ports and is now a qualified hydrographic surveyor, officially christened the vessel in a small, socially-distanced ceremony held recently.

Affectionately named Stainsby after one of the original four villages that later became Middlesbrough, the vessel will facilitate the safe transportation of pilots to and from vessels as they enter the river.

She will replace the Coatham pilot vessel, who will now find a new home at the Port of Tyne after racking up an impressive 800,000 miles servicing the River Tees over a 20-year period.

PD Ports chief executive, Frans Calje, said, “As the legal guardians for the River Tees our primary job is ensuring safe navigation for vessels. It is our duty to ensure the river is managed safely and effectively when fulfilling its potential to support future trade growth across the Tees Valley and the UK as a whole.

“Together with fellow businesses along the river, Teesport already contributes in excess of £1.4bn to the economy each year. This investment will enable Teesport to continue servicing the river and the region as we secure the Tees Valley in pole position for international trade growth opportunities.”

At the forefront of tackling climate change, the Stainsby, which can travel at speeds of up to 24 knots, also boasts a low emission engine to help keep fuel consumption and environmental impact as low as possible.

The vessel features touch screen navigation and dynamic shock monitoring that will ensure safety of the crew in all weather conditions meaning that the Port, and the river, can remain operational at all times.

Paul Brooks, harbour master, said: “The arrival of the Stainsby means that we have the best technology, built to the highest engineering standards, which will provide a safe and stable platform for pilots and keep Teesport open for business.”