- Hon Shane Jones
A significant milestone has been reached for the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project with the lodgement of the substantive fast-track consent application, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
The application for the shipyard and marine maintenance facility at Marsden Point has been lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 (FTAA).
"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," Mr Jones says.
"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."
Modelling has indicated construction and operations could boost the economy by an additional $1.05 billion over 38 years. It is also estimated an average of 1700 jobs a year will be created during the three-year construction phase and 450 jobs during its operation.
"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," Mr Jones says.
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.
