NZ Shipyard Completes Stage One of Major Development

The milestone was celebrated by stakeholders on Thursday evening in front of the new 12,000 sqm hardstand. The new 820-tonne and 85-tonne travel lifts, along with a number of superyachts, provided a backdrop for proceedings against the Auckland city skyline.

Neven Barbour, CEO of Orams Marine, began the event with an acknowledgement of the effort by the many parties who have worked to bring the project to fruition. The development has involved the Orams Marine team, their partners in the Auckland Council and its agencies, as well as a number of key marine industry figures, all of whom have collaborated on creating a vision for the waterfront over the past decades.

“The location here is unique and you can see the investment that’s gone into it. What has been created here will serve the industry well into the future,” says Neven Barbour.

The first stage of development has encompassed extensive dredging and construction works before the installation of a 12,000 sqm hardstand, three 90m marina piers, a new 820t marine travel lift, as well as a new 85t marine travel lift, and an industry-leading water treatment plant.

“Strengthening the sea wall, containing contamination, plus the in-built water treatment plant which sets a new standard in discharge water treatment; the result of this is a best-in-class engineering solution,” Barbour continued.

David Rankin, Chief Executive of Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, spoke of the development being a crucial component in the wider vision for Auckland’s waterfront.

“The project we’re celebrating this evening is a good illustration of one of the core strategies we’ve been pursuing on the waterfront, which is that we wanted to retain in Auckland a genuine, authentic, working waterfront character. Right back when the original planning was done by Auckland Council, we’ve always been clear that special and focused effort would be made to preserve and strengthen over time, the marine business component of the waterfront,” said Rankin.

“There has been a very significant investment by Orams in this site. It’s great to finally see a big travel lift. I have been reading about it, and seeing lots of overseas examples, and then to walk up and see just how big it is. Also knowing the terrific space that piece of equipment puts you in for getting not only the most domestic business available, but also critically for the country overall as it pitches you very competitively for the international superyacht market,” Rankin continued.

CEO of the NZ Marine industry association, Peter Busfield, followed David Rankin in speaking at the event. “David, thank you for your confidence in the marine industry,” said Busfield “I’m sure we will deliver, and it will be good for not only the marine industry, but for the economy of Auckland and of New Zealand.”

The development at Orams Marine is significant for superyachts wishing to cruise in the awe-inspiring South Pacific region. Large refit and maintenance facilities are essential for ensuring that yachts need not return to Europe or North America for shipyard periods, and instead stay to enjoy one of the most adventurous regions in the world.

The next stage of development will see extensive commercial buildings completed in the latter part of 2022, with a residential development to follow.