Maritime Activity Reports, Inc. (Photo: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation) The Association of Maryland Pilots has taken delivery of its fourth Chesapeake class launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Twenty-two Chesapeake class pilot boats have been delivered to 12 pilot associations throughout the U.S. since the launch was introduced by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 2003. With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new all-aluminum launch measures 52.6’ overall, with a 16.8’ beam and a 4.8’ draft. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D16, EPA Tier 3-certified diesel engines, each producing 641 Bhp at 1,800 rpm, the vessel’s top speed is over 26 knots. The engines turn five-blade Bruntons NiBrAl propellers via ZF500-1-A gear boxes. A Humphree interceptor trim control system, with its Automatic Trim Optimization, is installed at the transom. The launch is equipped with a 12kW Northern Lights genset and 100% LED lighting.