LPC’s primary pilot boat Awaroa

The construction of LPC’s new pilot boat has reached a significant milestone, having passed the halfway mark.

Hart Marine is building it on the Mornington Peninsula, where the LPC pilot boat Awaroa was also built.

LPC Marine Fleet Manager Henry Bastion says all components are on site, allowing the assembly process to proceed at full steam.

“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,” Henry said.

The new pilot boat under construction.

The new vessel’s design is regarded as the best practice for the safety-critical operation of Pilot transfer to ships calling at Lyttelton.

“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,” Henry said.

The new pilot boat is expected to arrive around mid-April and will enhance operational capabilities.

48-year-old LPC Rescue will be retired when the new pilot boat arrives.