Harbour's new pilot boat powered by vegetable oil

The new £1.6m boat, Atlantic, replaces the 46-year-old LK Mitchell, which was built in 1978

Falmouth Harbour has taken delivery of a new £1.6m pilot boat which is powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).

The 16.6m (54.5ft) boat, named Atlantic, replaces the 46-year-old LK Mitchell which left the port last September.

The eco-fuel powered boat will join the port's other pilot boat, Arrow, helping larger ships navigate the natural harbour.

Miles Carden, CEO of Falmouth Harbour, said Atlantic would help the port "meet its sustainability targets and run on HVO fuel as soon as her trials are complete".

"Our pilot boat crews work throughout the year, in all weathers and conditions, to keep our harbour open and safe to shipping and they deserve the best equipment we can buy," he said.

"We are very excited to welcome Atlantic into our pilot fleet - she will be an incredible asset for the next 20-30 years."

He said Atlantic was 30% more efficient than its predecessor, had a design speed of more than 22 knots (25 mph) and a range of more than 250 nautical miles (287 miles).