ARATAKI MEETS pilot boat demand
IMAGES BY TARA HOYLE
The Port of Tauranga has gone through some very positive years of growth as a principal access port for the central North Island and, dare we say it, Auckland. In fact, as the days roll by, these two ports are beginning to overlap and many freighters are seeing their movements merging into one.
A 24 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012
nnual cargo through Tauranga is more than 13 million tonnes. It claims to be New Zealand's largest and most efficient port, with direct links to international markets
in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, South America, the United States and Europe. It is now preparing for bigger ships carrying up to 8000teu (20ft containers), compared with the current maximum size of about 4600teu. The port has applied for a resource consent to widen and deepen Tauranga Harbour's shipping channels so it can welcome these ships, which have lower operating costs and are more fuel efficient. This will enhance the competitiveness of New Zealand exporters and lower importer's freight costs. The port enjoys excellent rail connections, and significantly more capacity is already available on the
All the controls are close to hand
The helmstation has a full Garmin system
