Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project moves to expert panel

The proposed Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock at Marsden Point has reached a new milestone after the Environmental Protection Authority accepted its fast-track consenting application as complete. The project will now move to an independent expert panel for consideration.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones stated that the facility is intended to address New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit. The government has ring-fenced $100 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to advance the project. Currently, New Zealand relies on overseas facilities in locations such as Sydney and Singapore to maintain large vessels, including the new Cook Strait ferries.

Establishing a domestic facility is expected to reduce transit costs and emissions while increasing vessel availability. The project is anticipated to provide an economic boost to the Northland region during construction and is expected to support hundreds of permanent jobs once operational.