Marine Services

The timely berthing and safe handling of vessels is critical to the success and integrity of service. This is where the marine team plays an important role.

Marine Services are offered with a ‘one-stop’ booking facility for all ship and ship-side requirements via phone, email or on a 24/7 basis. Customers can confirm pilots, tugs, lines, security and water requirements prior to arrival. Dry dock bookings and marine safety are also part of the marine services provided.

LPC is committed to safety in Marine Operations. All Marine staff are trained and qualified to Maritime New Zealand requirements, and a full Risk Assessment of all Marine Operations is reviewed at least annually.

Anchorage

The main anchorage for vessels waiting for a berth is a combined general anchorage and quarantine anchorage situated in position: Latitude 43º 33.0’ South, Longitude 172º 50.0’ East (approximately 2.5 nautical miles bearing 026 degrees (True) from Godley Head).

Communication

A 24/7 visual and listening watch is maintained by Lyttelton harbour radio. Communication is available on VHF channels 16 and 12.

Port Navigation

• The pilot station BRAVO is situated two miles ENE from Godley Head (Latitude: 43º 34.91’ South, Longitude: 172º 51.22’ East).
• The main navigation channel is maintained to a depth of 13.3m at chart datum. Please refer to the LPC MPX for the summary of typical passage plans and Navigation aids.
• Berth depth information is available from the Marine Team. The outer turning basin has a width of 615 metres.
• All navigational aids in the harbour are maintained by Lyttelton Port Company to international standards and to allow 24/7 access to the Port. Please refer to the LPC MPX for a summary of Navigation Aids including virtual marks

Pilotage

• Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 500GT or over 40m LOA, unless exemption is obtained from Maritime New Zealand.
• The company employs qualified and experienced pilots who board vessels from a modern purpose built launch, with a service speed of 21 knots. Vessels are serviced rapidly, safely and efficiently.
• The pilots use a Navicom Dynamic Harbour Pilot Position (PPU) monitoring system to enable highly accurate monitoring when manoeuvring large vessels in and out of the harbour.

Towage

Berthing is aided by two Azimuth Stern Drive tugs: Blackadder, with a bollard pull of 62.5 tonnes, and Piaka, with a bollard pull of 70 tonnes.

DUKC^®

• LPC operates a Dynamic Under Keel Clearance ( DUKC^®) system, aiding in the safe transit of vessels in and out of port.
• The DUKC system is used to accurately predict a particular vessel’s under keel clearance ( DUKC^®) based on the vessel’s dimensions and stability, the prevailing environmental conditions, predicted vessel speeds and a detailed profile of the Lyttelton Harbour approach channel.

Recommended Passage Plans

The following are recommended routes between the designated Pilot Boarding station and the selected berth or anchorage. These plans are indicative and can be deviated from only at the discretion of the Master and/or Pilot. LPC accepts no liability from the reliance of these plans.

Pilot Boarding Station Bravo to Cashin Quay

Pilot Boarding Station Bravo to Inner Harbour

NZ Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code

• LPC is fully committed to adhering to the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code.
• The NZ Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code is a voluntary national standard designed to ensure the safe management of marine activities in ports and harbours. The Code relies on a collaborative structure between Maritime New Zealand, Harbourmasters, and Port Operators, and provides a standard against which LPC can measure itself, and be measured by others.

LPC is fully committed to the intentions of the Code. LPC aims to achieve this by:

• Working constructively with the Harbourmaster and key stakeholders to safeguard the Lyttelton Harbour, its users and the environment
• Complying with all relevant legislation
• Ensuring All LPC assets are properly resources, managed and maintained
• Ensuring all LPC staff are appropriately trained