She's got a top speed of 36 knots and is the latest boat to join Whangarei Harbour's workforce.
Northport Ltd's new 8.5m aluminium catamaran, the Manaia, has been launched at Marsden Cove Marina and will be used for the on-water maintenance of navigation aids from the harbour entrance to Golden Bay Cement at Portland.
Built by Whangarei aluminium pontoon boat builder Blackdog Cat Boats, the workboat will help the port maintain the Dynamic Under-Keel Clearance (DUKC) system which allows large vessels to cross the harbour entrance safely and approach the jetties and wharves at Refining NZ and Northport.
Manaia will also be used as a hydrographic survey platform, which involves measuring and helping to describe the features which affect activities such as maritime navigation, marine construction and dredging.
The boat will also help staff inspect and maintain other port infrastructure.