The Shipping Association of Guyana has hailed the acquisition of a new pilot launch by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).The Association saw it as a very welcome upgrade of the operations of the Demerara Harbour. MARAD disclosed recently that the pilot launch,‘ formerly named?? “Kakabelly”? was acquired last December and has since started operations in the Demerara Port.The basic work function of a pilot boat is to ensure that locally experienced pilots go out to incoming vessels and bring them safely into port.Officials of MARAD recently disclosed that the Kakabelly, will be used? to take pilots aboard vessels to bring them into the Demerara Ships’ Channel,Tom Waddle Bears Throwback Jersey, then to the harbour at Port Georgetown.The fibre glass vessel which came from the United Kingdom and has been complemented by a computerised system,Leonte Carroo Dolphins Jersey, reaches 23 knots,Chris Wormley Jersey, and is deemed a very fast vessel,http://www.cheapcustomjerseys.us.com/MLB/Custom-Chicago-Cubs/, MARAD officials said.Officials at MARAD said that the Department operates on a 24-hour basis,Michael Thomas Dolphins Jersey, and the ‘Kakabelly’ is also capable of performing at nights.They added that the ‘Kakabelly’ is faster than the other vessels and this has made their work easier.The Kakabelly operates out of the MARAD wharf at Stabroek, Georgetown.An official at SAG said, yesterday, that the operations of the previous aged pilot launch had for long been a major bugbear of the Association in its efforts to ensure a level of? efficiency in the shipping industry which will? facilitate the movement of imports and exports and so? maximize national economic growth.“The acquisition of a new and competent pilot launch to replace the aged one which was more inoperative than not is we feel? one of the very? badly needed upgrades at the Demerara Harbour,Forrest Lamp Jersey,” the official said.