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Plans for a major shipyard and dry dock at Marsden Point have moved a step closer, with a substantive fast-track consent application lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the proposed facility could boost the economy by $1.05 billion over 38 years and create an average of 1700 jobs a year during its three-year construction phase.
“This project will be a game-changer for New Zealand’s maritime sector, providing a domestic option to maintain, service, and repair large vessels right here at home,” Jones said.
“It will reduce reliance on overseas dry docks in Australia and Asia, save owners considerable transit costs, improve vessel availability, and reduce associated emissions.”
The dry dock will be located next to the western edge of the existing Northport commercial area, within Whangārei Harbour.
“Enabling more marine maintenance activity to be done in New Zealand will support the domestic economy and help deepen our skills and supplier base – a win-win for the Northland region and the whole country,” Jones said.
“Supporting strategic infrastructure projects in the right locations is a key component of how we strengthen and grow New Zealand’s economy. Marsden Point is well suited for the facility because of its deep-water access, proximity to an established commercial port, and existing marine services expertise.”
It is intended the facility will be capable of servicing New Zealand’s largest current and planned vessels, including naval ships and major commercial vessels such as inter-island ferries.
Progressing work on the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock is part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.
The project is listed in Schedule 2 of the FTAA. The Act’s purpose is to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits.
