The Northern Territory has commissioned a $1.7 million pilot vessel to be designed to enhance Darwin Port's capacity to handle upcoming oil and gas projects.

 

Transport Minister Adam Giles said the 14.2 metre new vessel will be critical for helping in handling the significant increases in shipping through Darwin Port over the coming tears.

 

The Lamaroo will improve the port’s capability and efficiency to meet forecast increases in shipping traffic such as the LNG tankers expected with the Ichthys gas project,” Mr Giles said.

 

“The pilot transfer vessel is the vital mode of transport for the port marine pilots meeting and disembarking ships on the port limits and guiding them safely within the harbour.”

 

Darwin Port Corporation previously only had one dedicated pilot transfer vessel to undertake more than 2000 pilot transfers.

 

The Lamaroo took nearly twelve months to construct, has an operating speed of 22 knots (40.7km/h), and was specifically constructed to meet the sea conditions experienced in Darwin harbour.