The proposed 250m-long floating dry dock would be one of Australasia’s largest, designed to service New Zealand Navy vessels, Cook Strait ferries, domestic cargo and international vessels needing maintenance.
“A purpose-built facility capable of maintaining large vessels will deliver significant economic benefits for Northland and New Zealand, particularly once the new inter-island ferries we have secured are navigating our waters,” Jones said.
New Zealand relies on overseas dry docks, including in Sydney and Singapore, for work on large vessels.
“A facility here would reduce transit costs and emissions, while improving the time vessels are available for service. It also means the money spent on servicing these large ships stays here in New Zealand and helps grow the economy,” Jones said.
“Once operating, the dry dock is also expected to support hundreds of permanent jobs and deliver lasting economic benefits to the region.”
The Northland dry dock was estimated to boost New Zealand’s economy by $1.05 billion over 38 years, create 1700 jobs a year during the three-year construction plus 450 permanent jobs.
Northland leaders have long supported the project, considered a priority.
In 2020, the dry dock was one of five major projects pushed by Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara mayors in a unique combined statement.
Progressing work on the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock is part of the New Zealand First-National coalition agreement.