A NEW £695,000 pilot boat has gone into service to help with port operations in and around Bridgwater.

The new boat, which is named 'Sea Sprite, was unveiled at Burnham-on-Sea Yacht Club pontoon on Wednesday (July 22) by Cllr Peter Clayton, chairman of Sedgemoor District Council.

The council took delivery of the new vessel on June 30 and it was transported by road to Portishead.

The new boat can cruise at 22knots and top speed of 25knots, having all the latest in cutting-edge marine technology. It can seat up to six people and will be used in the port operations in and around Bridgwater.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council said the boat will be used for a variety of pilotage services in and around Bridgwater

"The Harbour Masters and Pilot staff will use the boat for pilotage services, personnel transfer, escort boat, checking and minor maintenance of navigational buoys, interim surveys of approaches and the River and potentially hire with her crew for external work," the council spokesperson said.

"The pilots work closely with EDF Energy to make sure that as much freight for the building of Hinkley Point C is bought in by sea, with many docking at Combwich.

"‘Sea Sprite’ is a tremendous new asset for the port, which will assist the Ports Strategy to increase shipping and economic development in the area, as well as mindful of the environmental and economic impact. It underlines Sedgemoor District Council’s commitment to the Port of Bridgwater and its future activity.

"‘Sea Sprite’ will be undertaking familiarisation and training trips to allow all the marine staff to get to know her. There will be an official naming ceremony when the current situation allows.

"The new vessel will replace ‘Ben Lee’, the current pilot boat, which has been in service since 2006 and will be kept as a reserve pilot boat for the next year."