Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) chief executive Peter Davie is heralding the arrival of the newbuild 15.6-metre pilot launch 'Awaroa' as another key step towards his port's recovery and evolution from the Canterbury earthquakes.
Designed by French naval architects, Pantocarene, and built at the Mornington facilities of Australia's Hart Marine, the launch design is understood to have been proven in operation at numerous Australian and European ports.
"Lyttelton Harbour requires a vessel capable of operating in high swells and strong winds and the launch provides a new level of safety for our marine pilots who travel on it to meet and board ships at the harbour entrance," said Davie.
Replacing the 12-metre 'Canterbury', which had been operating at Lyttelton since 1992, a key feature of the 'Awaroa' is said to be the more stable platform provided for pilots as they step from and reach the ladder running up the side of ships being boarded.
"The 'Canterbury' has given sterling service but our new launch is a significantly more capable vessel,' Davie concluded. 'It has a higher helm position with greater visibility, wider side decks giving safer access for crew, and the ability to self-right and be immediately operative."
Iain MacIntyre
