Urgently Required

The Gisborne Harbour Board urgently requires a new tug to handle the big tankers coming into service on the New Zealand coast. Delays over possible Government assistance with finance, and directives that tugs should be built in New Zealand are causing Gisborne's essential tug service to become hindered. The 21.000 ton 'Erne has, so far, been exceptionally fortunate to berth in Gisborne six consecutive times without problems. Will seven be a lucky number next time? Perfect conditions each time have made the job comparatively straight forward. However, anything stronger than a 15 knot breeze would upset berthing procedure and the present tug, the "Hiku-rangi," just wouldn't be able to cope. (The first of the new tankers for the New Zealand coastal service, the 'Kotuku', weighs 25,000 tons, and delivery of this vessel is due in July), The new tug is to have 2½ times the thrust of the 'Hikurangi' and would be able to handle the berthing of tankers under all conditions. However, the new tug will also take 10 months to build! Therefore time is of the essence if the Gisborne Harbour Board is to be given the go-ahead, and tanker services to this city are not to be disrupted too much. These pictures show the timing, and finesse, involved in bringing the 'Erne' into port.

×

 

• 

The 'Hikurangi' strains against the bulk of the tanker to push it alongside the overseas wharf.

×

 

• 

The 'Erne' slows speed as the Harbour Board launch brings the pilot alongside.

×

 

• 

The 'Takitimu' returns to port after off-loading the pilot.

×

 

• 

The pilot, Captain Ian Cook, and the 'Erne's' master, Captain Warriner, proceed with operations from the bridge.