CONSTRUCTION of a new Australian-built pilot boat for Lyttelton Port Company has reached the halfway mark.
LPC expects the new vessel, built by Hart Marine, to enhance operational capabilities at the South Island port. It is due to arrive around mid-April.
Hart Marine, based in Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, also built LPC’s primary pilot boat Awaroa.
LPC marine fleet manager Henry Bastion said all components for the new vessel are on site, allowing the assembly process to proceed.
He highlighted the wheelhouse assembly and the completion of the hull structure as major milestones.
“The new vessel will be a meter and a half longer and will feature an improved wheelhouse configuration,” Mr Bastion said.
“The necessity of a new vessel is critical to port operations as there are around 1800 commercial ship movements annually, and these movements require a pilot transfer for both arrival and departure.”
The port plans to retire the 48-year-old LPC Rescue once the new pilot boat arrives.
