Pilot Robert Kerr is looking forward to enjoying retirement in November, with plans to visit family in America and Australia, after 23 years service at LPC.

Robert started his role with LPC in August 2002, the same time Tug Blackadder arrived.

Robert has distinguished himself as an exceptional Pilot throughout his career, continually showcasing remarkable skill and setting high standards of excellence.

He first spent time on the water in Lyttelton as a child with the Sea Cadets, one of his earliest experiences around the Port.

“We used to have camps on Ripapa Island over the Christmas holidays, and I was a young fella driving the little Sea Cadet launch back and forth,” said Robert.

Robert has enjoyed working on the ships with the Captains, especially walking down the gangway, being happy with the piloting.

“There’s a lot of satisfaction when you berth a vessel and get ships in and out of the Port safely,” said Robert.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the Masters I’ve worked with,” he added.

During his tenure, Robert has witnessed significant changes at LPC, notably the large increase in container volume and the infrastructure to support it and the introduction of enhanced safety procedures, including the change to mandatory hard hats.

“Safety has always been important when working at sea. It has made it easier to transition into additional procedures put in place over the years, which are there to improve things, even if they take some getting used to; it’s all for the good,” said Robert.

Robert plans to keep himself busy in retirement with a bit of travelling, mucking around in small boats, and playing golf.