The Port of Tauranga has three purpose-built tugs and two pilot launches, providing a 24-hour, seven day service to ships entering and leaving the Port.
The Port of Tauranga’s latest pilot vessel, Troy Evans, features the most modern technology available. It has a service speed of 25 knots, is 17.5 metres in length and is powered by 750 horsepower Volvo marine diesel engines. The acquisition of Troy Evans (2023) is part of Port of Tauranga’s on going investment programme to ensure the Port remains the most efficient and productive in Australasia.
The other pilot vessel, Arataki, has a service speed of 25 knots, is 16.3 metres in length and is powered by twin 750 horsepower Scania V8 marine diesel engines.
In mid 2015, the Port took delivery of two new tugs – Tai Pari and her sister vessel Tai Timu, which were built to the Port’s specifications by Cheoy Lee of Hong Kong.
The tugs have the same configuration as the Port’s existing tug Sir Robert, with an Azimuth stern drive and power delivered through shrouded propeller housings on vertical shafts that can be rotated through 360 degrees, meaning they can move at full power in any direction. They are highly manoeuvrable and powerful tugs for their 24m size and have a 74-tonne bollard pull, compared with the Sir Robert‘s 50 tonne bollard pull.
The Sir Robert features communication, navigation and mechanical technology. The 22m vessel is a compact but powerful tug, boasting 4,400hp and 50 tonne bollard pull, with leading-edge technology allowing it to be operated safely with a crew of two. This tug, along with Tai Pari and Tai Timu, is yet another example of the Port of Tauranga’s commitment to innovation and high quality services for shipping customers.
Arrival and Departure Window for Port of Tauranga. The Port of Tauranga provides a pilotage service for all vessels over 500 GRT unless the master holds a current pilot exemption certificate. Entry and exit to the Port is provided through an arrival and departure window.
The Port of Tauranga is a tidal port catering for a maximum draught of 13.2m at low water and 14.5m at high water. However, the volume of water flowing through the entrance to the Port means that we have an “arrival and departure window” for vessels according to their handling capabilities.
Port Information for Ship Masters
Vessel Arrival Information Sheet – Part A
