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Harbour tugboat makes first pilotage

News imageCumberland Council A harbour tug travels across the water outside of the Port of Workington. The tug has HELVELLYN written on the bow of the black boat and it has a bright red floor and white cabin. Cumberland Council
Helvellyn will help guide ships to and from the Port of Workington

A harbour tug has made its first pilotage as part of a £1m investment in a town's port.

Cumberland Council said the tug, named Helvellyn, replaced a 32-year-old vessel which had become "increasingly difficult to cost-effectively maintain" from the Port of Workington.

A harbour tug - also known as a pilot boat - is a specialised vessel designed to help guide ships to and from the port, which handles 300,000 tonnes of cargo each year.

Port manager Ben Meil told BBC Radio Cumbria that the former tug had been "a phenomenal vessel", but Helvellyn would reduce costs and increase operational capabilities.

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