LPC new pilot boat passes halfway mark

The construction of Lyttelton Port Company’s (LPC’s) new pilot boat has reached a major milestone, surpassing the halfway mark.

Built by Hart Marine on the Mornington Peninsula—the same site where the LPC pilot boat Awaroa was constructed—the new vessel is progressing rapidly.

According to LPC Marine Fleet Manager Henry Bastion, all necessary components are now on-site, allowing the assembly process to move forward efficiently.

“A major milestone has been achieved with the wheelhouse assembly and the completion of the hull structure. The new vessel will be a meter and a half longer and will feature an improved wheelhouse configuration,” explained LPC Marine Fleet Manager Henry Bastion.

Designed to meet best practices for the safety-critical transfer of pilots to incoming ships at Lyttelton, the new boat will significantly enhance operational capabilities.

Expected to arrive by mid-April, the new pilot boat will replace the 48-year-old LPC Rescue, which will be retired upon its arrival.

“The necessity of a new vessel is critical to Port operations as there are around 1,800 commercial ship movements annually, and these movements require a pilot transfer for both arrival and departure,” added Bastion.

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