Babcock Australasia (Babcock) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a further contract for helicopter marine pilot transfer services at the Newcastle Port, following a competitive tender process.
Under the contract, Babcock will provide aircraft, pilots, engineering personnel and maintenance staff to ensure the safe transportation of marine pilots to ships located 3 to 8 nautical miles offshore. This continues the services that Babcock has provided at the Port since 1999.
“This new contract reinforces our successful 19-year long relationship with the Port Authority of NSW that has been built on experience and trust,” said Lauren Bagshaw-Flanagan, Managing Director of Aviation Onshore at Babcock.“Our team is thrilled to continue its involvement at the Newcastle Port and to be able to provide the best transfer service possible.”
Starting in April 2019, the new three-year agreement will continue to utilise Babcock’s MD500E aircraft and includes the option of 2 additional one-year extensions.
Newcastle Harbour is a compulsory pilotage port. Pilot transfers at Newcastle are carried out by two methods, either by helicopter or by pilot cutter. In 2016/17, there were 2364 trade vessel visits to Newcastle Harbour and a total of 4706 pilotage movements performed – with approximately 80% of pilot transfers completed by helicopter.