MBT 10.18.010 ms "Sirius" (1981) - Greenpeace, ex-pilot boat "Sirius" (1950)

Origin

Sirius is the name of the brightest star in the sky. The Dutch pilotage service had the ship built in 1950. All seven pilot boats bear the names of stars. In 1981, Greenpeace took the ship into service, after the Rainbow Warrior had departed for Newfoundland for actions against seal hunting.

History

The Sirius is 46 metres long and almost 8.5 metres wide. The ship is made of steel. Its draught is 3 metres and its maximum speed is 12 knots. Thanks to many volunteers, the pilot boat was prepared as an action ship in 10 weeks.

Actions

The Sirius was active throughout Europe. Her first action was in 1981 against the dumping of radioactive waste in the Atlantic Ocean. In Scandinavia and France, the Sirius was present to stop nuclear waste transports.
She sailed to Norway for actions against seal hunting. And to Iceland where whalers cast their harpoons. In the Mediterranean, the Sirius was active almost annually for actions against pollution and overfishing.

The last action of the Sirius was in November 1998. In the port of Vlissingen, Greenpeace stopped the ship Saga Wind, which was transporting timber from endangered ancient forests. As an education ship, the Sirius remains active for Greenpeace. Groups of young people between 10 and 14 years old can visit the Sirius. They learn all about the environment and life on board a ship. And about campaigning! In addition, there is a special educational package about the Sirius.

Specifications

Home port: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Former name: Sirius
Built: 1950 by NV Boele, Bolnes, Netherlands
Ship type: pilot boat
Transmitter code: PHNA
Purchase date: 1981
Number of berths: 32
Gross tonnage: 440 tons
Length: 46 metres
Width: 8.43 metres
Draught: 3.01 metres< />Cruising speed: 9 knots
Maximum speed: 12 knots
Engine: 1 diesel, Smit MAN 6 cylinder 650 h.p. 448.7 KW

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