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Observant Auckland boaties, used to the distinctive orange topsides and large rooster tails of the Ports of Auckland's old pilot boat, Waitemata, will have noticed that there is a "new kid on the block".
Just prior to Christmas, Ports of Auckland introduced their new pilot boat, Akarana, into service, relegating the Waitemata to back-up duties.
The 14.9m Akarana, with its red, almost tug-like superstructure, is a one-off design by Picton-based Naiad Design. It was built in Whangarei by Circa Marine, is aluminium and is powered by twin C12 Caterpillar engines. Each engine develops 570HP and together they enable Akarana to reach a maximum speed of 32 knots. Akarana is also fitted with conventional drives so those rooster tails will no longer be an indicator that the pilot boat is heading your way.
As befits a pilot boat, Akarana has been designed to operate in all weather and sea conditions. It is also equipped with leading-edge marine technologies. These including AIS (automated identification System), a system that automatically displays the ships' name and details when they appear on screen, as well as sophisticated electronic chart displays to ensure that Akarana can work in either fog or torrential rain.
The Akarana is purpose-built for the safe transport of Ports of Auckland ship pilots between the port and approaching ships. From the Hauraki Gulf, the pilot navigates the ship through the Rangitoto Channel, into the Waitemata Harbour and to a berth at the port.
