At the time, Jeanine Drummond was the new Harbour Master for the port of Newcastle and had inherited the delivery of this strategic supply chain project to increase the delivery size and capacity of petroleum products to the port terminals. Tankers increased in size from 180 metres long and 32m wide to 235m and 42m beam. To manage the safety of these larger, deeper tanker vessels entering and transiting Newcastle port, hydrodynamic and navigation studies earlier determined that new passage plan routes would be required, the existing dynamic under keel clearance system would need to be remodelled and designed, as well as implementing an escort towage capability. The tools required, training, process and upskilling of the large pilotage and towage team were successfully delivered in time for the first vessel operations. It was an honour to be able to be on board to observe the first pilotage movement to the new Mayfield 7 berth.
Video @Stephenbuslife on YouTube.
