Newbuild joins Port of Townsville’s pilot boat fleet

The Port of Townsville in Queensland, Australia, welcomed a new pilot boat into its fleet on Wednesday, March 10.

The AU$3.3 million (US$2.5 million) custom-built Mantaray is specifically designed to handle open sea conditions at Abbot Point, where it will be located.

The boat has a length of 17.3 metres, self-righting ability, wide side-decks for safer pilot transfers, a wave-piercing beak bow for improved performance and safety, and a suspension-mounted wheelhouse that reduces noise and vibration.

Mantaray is the fourth active pilot boat in service with the Port of Townsville. It will soon begin undergoing weeks of testing and training before it sails for Bowen near Abbot Point.