"CentrePort now have one of the most high-tech pilot vessels in New Zealand and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with them in the future."
Te Haa was launched on the Whanganui River yesterday. Photo/ Zaryd Wilson
Among Te Haa's features is a hull isolated from the cabin and the boat's ability to right itself.
"If it was to tip over, the way the hull and the cabin is designed it inherently wants to bounce back up again," Mr Mitchell said.
"So inside the you can be strapped to the chairs and everything's tied down so it doesn't get thrown around should that event happen.
"And any structure-borne noise that comes from the engines and rotating machinery is isolated from the cabin which makes it very quiet inside."
CentrePort chief executive Derek Nind was pleased the boat was able to be built in New Zealand.
"The vessel will provide significant health and safety benefits to our pilots and launch crews, since it has been designed to provide a safe platform in adverse weather," he said.
"She will enable central New Zealand businesses to connect with international markets, and provide a new level of safety, speed and efficiency."