Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau. News from Marlborough District Council.
Maximum vessel length for Tory Channel established For the safety of vessels, their crew and cargo, the Marlborough Harbourmaster has issued a direction that sets a maximum length of 187 metres for any new vessels using the Tory Channel/Kura Te Au to acce
All vessels currently using the channel are at or under this length.
Harbourmaster Jake Oliver said the entrance to Tory Channel was narrow, tidal and challenging to navigate, with the risk of an incident increasing with longer vessels. “Safety is central to the work a harbourmaster does,” he said. “The maximum length of
187 metres for the channel is based on an in-depth navigation safety risk assessment looking at past vessel crossings, vessel risk management documents and Transport Accident Investigation Commission reports.” “We know from our review that vessels at
187 metres and under can travel through the channel safely. The only time these vessels wouldn’t use the channel is if they have an issue while crossing Cook Strait, such as a malfunction of navigation equipment, steering system or propulsion engines - anything that could mean their journey through the channel is dangerous - making the northern entrance route the safer option,” he said.
“This direction is about preparing for the future, for when companies look to invest in new vessels. It means that those with vessels over this length will use the northern entrance to dock at Picton or Shakespeare Bay, like some heavy vessels are required to now, or work with us on safety management plans for using Tory Channel.”
In addition, the harbourmaster is initiating a risk assessment programme for six older vessels that currently use Tory Channel.
“As vessels age, they are at higher risk of having mechanical problems,” he said. “By working together with the companies on risk assessments, we can proactively manage any potential risks when they use the channel.”