Pilot Boat Tow – Thursday Island to Cairns, Queensland

In late March / early April 2025, North Marine was contracted by Auriga to undertake the tow of the 14-metre mono-hull pilot vessel Dabai from Thursday Island to Cairns. This operation was essential in supporting Auriga’s ongoing marine operations in Far North Queensland, ensuring their continued capacity to deliver pilotage services in the region. The project was executed in a remote and logistically challenging environment, where experience, preparation, and precise coordination were key to its success.

Scope of Work

To deliver the project, North Marine mobilised Pacific Ranger, a specialised support vessel from its fleet, to Thursday Island. Upon arrival, the crew conducted detailed pre-departure inspections, securing Dabai for tow and preparing for the multi-day coastal passage to Cairns.

The scope of work required careful logistical planning and execution across several areas, including fuel management, staffing logistics, voyage planning, and weather monitoring. Towing a pilot vessel of this size and configuration through remote waters demanded strict attention to safety protocols and environmental conditions to minimise risk and ensure smooth transit.

During the tow, North Marine maintained clear and consistent communication with the client, providing real-time operational updates and ensuring full transparency throughout the journey. Upon safe arrival in Cairns, Dabai was successfully delivered and handed over to Auriga’s crew, ready to be returned to operational service.

North Marine completed the tow of Dabai safely, on time, and without incident. The success of this project demonstrated North Marine’s ability to manage remote, long-distance relocations with precision and reliability. It also reinforced its reputation as a trusted provider of marine transport and logistics solutions across Northern Australia, particularly for critical service vessels.

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