Pilot and Towage
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, Arataki, features the most modern technology available. It 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. The acquisition of Arataki (in December 2010) is part of Port of Tauranga's ongoing investment programme to ensure the Port remains the most efficient and productive in Australasia.
The Port's back-up pilot vessel Te Awanui is also used for hydrographic survey work.
Vessel Data (click to view vessel information)
Sir Robert A modern state-of-the-art tug, Sir Robert features the latest 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 Kaimai and Te Matua, 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 100 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 11.7m at low water and 13m 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.
The table to the left is an example of the window available for Class B vessels entering the Port.
Arrival and Departure Window (The following is an example only)
| Vessel Grade | Knots (Current Flow) | Windows On a 24-Hour Period | Time Per Window On Average | Examples of Vessels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | < 1.5 | 4 | 2 Hours | Large passenger vessels > 200m Deep draught bulk vessels |
| B | < 2.0 | 4 | 4 Hours | Container vessels = 201-225m (in) |
| C | < 2.5 | 4 | 4 Hours | Container vessels < 200m (in & out) |
| D | < 3.0 | No restriction | Reefer vessels < 155m Container vessels < 151m | |
| E | > 3.0 | No restriction | All vessels < 125m | |
The times in the table above vary for neap and spring tides, eg for a neap tide, C grade vessels have no restrictions.
The Port successfully caters for vessels in all grades on a regular basis.
Please click here for the Port Passage Plan