Port of Auckland welcomes new pilot vessel Te Ihu

The Port of Auckland has officially welcomed its new pilot vessel, Te Ihu, into the Waitematā Harbour. The 17.54-meter vessel completed a four-day transit across the Tasman Sea from Melbourne, Australia, before arriving in Auckland under escort from the port’s tug fleet.

Constructed by Hart Marine in Australia and designed by the French firm Pantocarene, Te Ihu is powered by twin Scania engines and Hamilton waterjets to ensure the high-speed maneuverability necessary for pilot transfers. The vessel’s name is the Māori word for the prow of a waka.

A traditional blessing ceremony was held with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to mark the arrival. The ceremony also recognized Pilot Boat Master Murray McGehan for his 50 years of service to the port. Te Ihu will undergo commissioning in the harbour before entering full service in the coming months, while the existing pilot boats, Wakatere and Akarana, continue operations in the interim.