Press Release

New Pilot Boat for Port of Townsville


by Port of Townsville - published on 15 March 2021 248 -

The Port of Townsville has welcomed the newest addition to its fleet of pilot boats with the arrival of the newly built Mantaray.

The $3.3 million, custom-built vessel utilises high-tech equipment and design to maximise safety and efficiency for pilot transfers.

Port of Townsville Chief Operating Officer Drew Penny said the Mantaray had been specifically designed to handle open sea conditions at Abbot Point, where the vessel will be based.

“The Port of Townsville employs 11 marine pilots who are responsible for ensuring vessels safely navigate their way to and from ports in Townsville, Lucinda and Abbot Point. The conditions our pilots face in Abbot Point can be slightly more challenging due to the open nature of the harbour,” said Mr Penny.

Last financial year, the Port of Townsville’s pilots completed 789 pilotage movements at Abbot Point. The journey for the pilot commences from Bowen where the pilot boat is moored.

“As our marine pilots are responsible for safely guiding the large vessels through the compulsory pilotage area of Abbot Point, it is vital that we continuously look for ways to improve their safety at work and ensure continuous service delivery for visiting vessels. The purchase of this new pilot vessel offers the latest in safety technology and allows its predecessor, The John Rogers, to join the fleet based at the Townsville Port,” Mr Penny said.

The Mantaray measures 17.3m long and its design features include:

  • The ability to right itself if it capsizes in heavy seas
  • Over-sized rudders for improved manoeuvrability
  • Wide side-decks for safer pilot transfers
  • Wave-piercing beak bow to improve performance and safety; and
  • A suspended wheelhouse that reduces noise and vibration.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said it was important to continue to invest in the region’s port.

“Ports are critical pieces of infrastructure, not just for Townsville but for the whole of North Queensland,” he said.

“They provide a vital connection for so many companies to get their product to the rest of the world.
“Pilot boats provide an essential service, ensuring ships are able to navigate out of our ports, so it’s important we continue to invest in them.”

The Mantaray is the second new pilot vessel purchased by the Port of Townsville since 2017.
“With four pilot vessels now stationed at the Townsville Port, we are well-placed to meet growing trade demands, implement a more rigorous maintenance schedule, and minimise disruption to our pilotage services,” said Mr Penny.

The Mantaray is currently stationed at the Townsville Port for several weeks of tests and training, before it makes its way to Bowen.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Pilot Transfer - New Zealand (Auckland) & Australia (Melbourne/Fremantle)

published on 21 October 2021

Spotted some Pilot Boats in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne & Fremantle Australia (Port codes: Auckland:NZ AKL ; Melbourne:AU MEL ; Fremantle:AU FRE).

0

Video Safety of Navigation vs. Commercial Pressure

published on 18 January 2021

Safety of Navigation vs. Commercial Pressure / ROMEILs Tv Commercial Pressures impacts the safety of the vessel, study says Seafarers are pressured to keep quiet and keep the ship moving by ship operators, who dont want to lose inccome. Ship's officers who bring safety issues to the attention of management are exposed to the risk of retaliation. As whistle-blowers they may face punishment, demotion or even termination. International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) has...

0

Video On the frontline: working at sea amid the COVID-19 crisis

published on 8 February 2021

When the world locked down, Australia’s marine pilots continued bringing ships safely into the nation’s ports to deliver the goods we depend on. Around 6,000 ships visit the ports of NSW each year and meeting them at sea to help them navigate into our ports and harbours are Port Authority’s marine pilots and cutter vessel crews. ••• Port Authority of New South Wales manages the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping in Sydney Harbour, Port Botany,...

0

Article NAUTITEC (Germany) as new partner of Marine-Pilots.com

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 8 October 2020

NAUTITEC as a maritime simulation and training centre offers various services for shipping companies, port authorities, captains and for pilots and tug crews.

2

Video HMM - Maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #7-Rotterdam-arrival

published on 23 June 2020

The maiden voyage of HMM Algeciras #7-Rotterdam-arrival: “Steady as she goes” As Rotterdam tugboats skillfully maneuver mega vessel 'HMM Algeciras' safely towards the RWG Terminal mooring – welcoming the 1st of 12 Megamax-24 class HMM vessels to the Netherlands!

0

Video Salvage operation EEMSLIFT HENDRIKA

published on 8 April 2021

Video footage from the Florø rescue helicopter.

0

Article Safe through polar waters with NAUTITEC

by VEUS Shipping - published on 10 September 2019

NAUTITEC conducts Basic and Advanced Polar Code Trainings

0

Article COSCO Panamax bulk carrier aground again, Parana river

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 May 2020

Bulk carrier COFCO 1 with 41,900 tons of soybean resumed sailing downstream after grounding, which took place on May 25-26, but at around 0630 UTC May 27 she ran aground again, this time in San Pedro area at 269 kilometer mark, Parana river.

0

Video "Providence" South Wales Pilot Boat

published on 25 August 2020

This video is about the people who work for South East Wales Pilotage, the Pilots and Cutter crew

0

Article Docking Pilot’s Actions Cited in Probable Cause of Allision

published on 26 November 2020

The National Transportation Safety Board issued Marine Accident Brief 20/37 Tuesday for its investigation of the Sept. 23, 2019, accident involving the tugboat G.M. McAllister and the NGL Energy Partners wharf on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, near Chesapeake, Virginia.

0