AURIGA Group has announced plans to launch a mooring service in Victoria and a new aviation service in Western Australia.

Auriga Mooring Services is due to launch at the port of Melbourne on 4 September, and Auriga Aviation is introducing a new charter service for Dampier, Port Walcott and Cape Preston on 1 September.

Auriga Mooring Services

Auriga said the introduction of a new mooring service in Melbourne follows requests from shipping clients for an alternative shoreside mooring service to secure ships.

“This new 24/7 service will cater to the diverse needs of shipping users in the port of Melbourne and will include the provision of Shoreside Linesman, Quarantine Waste Services, General Waste Services, Water Connections, Storage for Ship Parts, and Ground Transportation,” the group said.

“This new service is a natural adjacency to Auriga Pilots Melbourne operations and will undoubtedly enhance Auriga’s ability to provide a suite of port services for shipping clients as its market position continues to grow.”

Auriga noted its new start-up has taken measures to ensure operations align with environmental, social and governance values.

It said new electric vehicles (BYD Atto 3) will comprise up to 70% of the fleet used to support the new service.

“Furthermore, they have decided to offset the fuel used by their other vehicles by working with a fuel provider offering offsetting services,” Auriga said.

“Finally, the company plans to utilise a rooftop solar array in combination with a green power provider for its warehouse.”

The Auriga Mooring Services business is aiming to become scope-one neutral.

New Karratha service

And on the west coast, the Auriga Aviation team is placing a dedicated Airbus H125/AS350 charter helicopter at its Karratha base.

Auriga said the aviation initiative responds to a steady increase in customer demand.

“Over the next few weeks and months, the new service will build up to a seven days per week capability, delivering aviation-based transfer capability from Karratha Airport,” the group said.

“The new operation is supported by a dedicated flight team to ensure safe and proficient operations.

“This new charter service offers safe, efficient and fast transport to vessels anchored off Dampier, Port Walcott, Onslow ports and remotely isolated landside locations.”

Auriga said the aircraft can perform sling transfers for cargo weighing up to 400 kilograms, along with passengers such as marine crew, surveyors, superintendents and port authorities.

It said adding the Karratha-based helicopter team complements the Auriga Aviation Port Hedland charter operations, using another Airbus H125 helicopter.