Construction begins on Chatham Islands ship
New Zealand begins construction of a replacement supply vessel for the Chatham Islands, aiming to restore reliable transport links and support local economies after decades of service disruptions.
Construction has officially started on a new supply vessel for the Chatham Islands, following the steel cutting ceremony for the hull on 17 September. The project remains on schedule for delivery in late 2027, according to Associate Transport Minister James Meager, who called it a major milestone for the region. The new vessel will replace the aging Southern Tiare, which has faced repeated outages due to unscheduled maintenance, disrupting essential transport links for residents and businesses.
The replacement ship, designed to accommodate growth in the Chathams, will carry livestock, fuel, vehicles, and bulk freight, ensuring reliability for local fishing, farming, and tourism sectors. The service will also extend to Pitt Island, addressing long-standing concerns about transport dependability. Minister Meager emphasized the vessel’s role in supporting the islands’ survival and prosperity by enabling consistent import and export of goods.
Built in China by 44 South Shipping Limited Partnership—a joint venture between McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers—the new vessel is expected to arrive in New Zealand late next year. To mitigate delays, the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport partnered with McCallum Bros Ltd to refit the existing William Fraser vessel, which recently resumed livestock transport to clear backlogs on both islands.
Minister Meager described the progress as a significant achievement for remote communities, highlighting reliable shipping as critical for economic growth, healthcare access, and sustaining livelihoods. The government framed the initiative as part of its commitment to supporting smaller regional communities alongside major urban centers, emphasizing national prosperity as dependent on the health of all regions.