The biggest ship to ever enter Port Nelson attracted crowds of hundreds on Labour Day.
Raroa is in port to receive an $80 million makeover and is expected to be at Port Nelson for at least a month. Hundreds of people lined the waterfront for prime viewing of the 250 metre ship as it entered through the Cut at around 10am on Monday morning. Dozens more hung out the front windows of their waterfront apartments to get a good view.
Port Nelson Harbour Master Dave Duncan says five tug boats were used to get Raroa into port and it went smoothly, considering the size of the ship.
“It all went very well, no problems at all and we appreciated that everyone stayed clear of us and made it easier.”
Port Nelson won the contract to fix the oil storage ship last month and the contract will see around 200 workers fly into Nelson to work on it, as well as local workers.
Nelson was picked because of its sheltered harbour and favourable weather conditions, Port Nelson chief executive Martin Byrne told Nelson Weekly last week.
Raroa is usually based in the Maari oil field off the Taranaki coast and will return there after the upgrade.
Martin Taylor was at the fisherman’s wharf with his two kids to watch Raroa come in, he says it was an impressive sight.
“Because it was Labour Day I thought I’d bring the boys down to have a look, it certainly fills up a fair chunk of the haven doesn’t it? Very impressive.”
