Port of Townsville commissions high tech boat for pilot transfers in open seas

The state of the art ‘Mantaray’ will safely guide large vessels through the pilotage area of Abbot Point.

A custom-built pilot boat specifically designed to handle the open seas at Abbot Point has arrived at her new home in Bowen.

The $3.3m vessel Mantaray, which has the ability to right itself if she capsizes in heavy seas, has arrived in Bowen after undergoing testing and training in Townsville.

Travelling at a cruising speed of 22 knots, the journey to her new mooring at the Bowen Boat Harbour took five and a half hours.

The Port of Townsville commissioned the Mantaray, which uses high-tech equipment and design to maximise safety and efficiency for pilot transfers in open seas, to replace her predecessor the John Rogers.

Port of Townsville marine pilots manager Timmy Pavri said the Mantaray was designed to deal with the challenging conditions at Abbot Point.

“The conditions our pilots face in Abbot Point can be slightly more challenging due to the open nature of the harbour and the distance from Bowen Marina to the Pilot Boarding Ground, which is about 25 nautical miles or 75 minutes steaming time,” Captain Pavri said.

“The Mantaray offers the latest in safety technology and provides a stable and secure platform for the pilots to transfer to and from ships, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of weather conditions.

“Everything about this new boat meets the demands of the work environment of the tropical waters in North Queensland.

“Her hull design and weather piercing bow makes for a lot more comfortable ride for both the pilot launch’s crew and the pilots.”

The port’s marine pilots are responsible for safely guiding large vessels through the pilotage area of Abbot Point.

The pilots completed 789 pilotage movements at Abbot Point last financial year.