The biannual layup period at the Port of Lyttelton is a vital time for the Irvinga, Mainstream, Independent, and Meridian 1 to conduct scheduled maintenance.

After months at sea, these Big Autonomous Trawler Reefer (BATM) vessels return to port for essential upkeep.

With more vessels in port, it becomes increasingly challenging for marine planners to coordinate schedules.

The independent fleet, now part of Sealord, used to have three main vessels.

Following Sealord’s recent acquisition of Independent Fisheries, there is now a fourth vessel, Meridian 1, based in Lyttelton.

The vessels usually fish for mackerel, hoki, southern blue whiting, squid, and barracouta in the waters around New Zealand.

LPC Marine Planning Manager, Parth Kukreti, says layup season usually takes place from October until just before Christmas, and then again around May.
“We’ve had back-to-back busy days. Managing all these movements is like solving a jigsaw puzzle every day,” said Parth.

“At times, we’ve handled up to 12 shipping movements in a single day,” Parth added.

The start of the cruise season coincides with layup operations, making berth availability even tighter.

The fishing vessels will be at sea for the next four months before the next layup season starts.