The Papua New Guinea Ports Corporation has ordered a pair of pilot boats from Australian builder Norman Wright and Sons.
The composite boats will operate in Caution Bay, and will be used to patrol the bay as well as for pilot transfers.
Norman Wright and Sons has incorporated its new generation of Z-bow to provide good efficiency at cruising speeds and allow for a higher top speed. The wheelhouse is completely isolated from the hull to minimise vibration and noise transfer.
The 14.8-metre boats are designed for low maintenance, which includes minimum down time during engine failure/replacement. The engines are located forward under a large deck hatch, which will allow them to be replaced in 24 hours if required.