Adverse tidal and weather conditions forecast for Thursday have forced the cancellation of cruise vessel Seabourn Odyssey’s visit to Taranaki.
“The conditions are associated with a low pressure system, which extends deep into the Southern Ocean and can be expected to produce wind and swell which will not make it possible for ships to remain safely in the harbour,” Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said.
“Unfortunately it's one of those things that's out of our control. Safety is our main concern – the safety of the vessel and her passengers and crew – so the decision has been made for Seabourn Odyssey to bypass Taranaki on this occasion.
“We were really looking forward to this visit, so it’s very disappointing for all involved – the port, tour operators, the retail and hospitality businesses in Taranaki, our organisational partners and, no doubt, the passengers, who would have been looking forward to discovering our great region,” he said.
Because of its west coast location, Port Taranaki is exposed to long period wave (LPW) events and strong winds. To manage this, the port deploys additional ship’s lines and a dynamic mooring system known as ShoreTension. However during more serious events, it is necessary to send vessels out of the port.
“Unfortunately, the present forecast shows a LPW climate in the harbour that exceeds our ability to manage through the use of ShoreTension,” Mr Craddock said.
Seabourn Odyssey was to arrive at Port Taranaki on Thursday after a stop in Nelson. The vessel will now leave New Zealand from Nelson for its next destination.
“The vessel is scheduled to make another visit to Taranaki in early March, so we look forward to welcoming Seabourn Odyssey to the region then,” Mr Craddock said.
