10/04/2026
Türkiye’s newest pilot boats are powered by twin Volvo Penta D13 600 HP engines to meet the demands of high-traffic channel operations. These vessels operate in the challenging waters of the Istanbul Strait and Çanakkale Strait, where strong currents and continuous vessel movement leave no room for compromise.
In 2025 alone, more than 84,000 vessels navigated the Turkish straits, with around 57% relying on pilot boats to guide them safely through these busy waterways. Pilot crews work continuously to transfer pilots, assist vessels through narrow passages, and help ships dock, load, and depart efficiently – playing a vital role in keeping maritime traffic and commerce moving.
With high torque, responsive control, and dependable performance at their core, Volvo Penta propulsion supports the precision and reliability pilot operations require in these conditions, delivering trusted power for critical waterways.