New tension units mean ships can remain in port

Ships moored at Port Taranaki will no longer be forced out to sea for safety during high seas.

With the addition of two more sets of shore tension units, ships moored at the port will not be in danger of breaking free of their moorings during large swells.

Before the introduction of two units in May last year ships would have to moor out to sea during long period wave events.

Port chief executive Guy Roper said with the additional shore tension units ship exclusions from the port could be reduced to one per cent.

‘‘We have already benefited from the new units,’’ he said.

’’The Makatu, on her maiden voyage to the port, was able to remain tied up at the Newton King Tanker Terminal over the recent long period wave event.

‘‘We were able to provide greater certainty for our customer and had no need to exclude the vessel.’’

Unlike other ports, Taranaki has no way to dissipate heavy swells before they reach the moored ships, and it can be difficult and dangerous for workers to stabilise the ships in rough seas.

Two units were trialled in May 2015 on the Moturoa and Blyde wharves. at the port but a further two were added to the Newton King tanker terminal last week.