Work begins on new Chatham Islands supply vessel, boosting freight and passenger services
Construction of the Chatham Islands’ new supply vessel is underway, securing a critical lifeline for the remote community and the businesses that depend on regular freight and passenger services.
Steel cutting for the hull began on September 17, and rel="" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/south-island/">the vessel is expected to be completed and delivered in 2027.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said the event “marks a major milestone”.
“We are on track to deliver a reliable, long-term service that will strengthen economic sustainability and resilience, securing the essential transport links that people depend on for many years to come.”
“The new, larger ship will replace the Southern Tiare, which is approaching 40 years old.
“Unscheduled maintenance on the aging vessel has triggered repeated shipping outages, causing hardship for residents.”
Meager said the new vessel was “designed to scale up alongside the Chathams’ growth” and will be able to carry livestock, fuel, vehicles and bulk freight, which would provide certainty for the islands’ fishing, farming and tourism sectors.
“Reliable shipping is vital for the Chathams’ survival and prosperity,” said the minister.
“To grow and remain resilient, locals must have a dependable avenue to import and export goods.”
The vessel is being built in China by 44 South Shipping Limited Partnership, a joint venture between McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers, and is expected to arrive in New Zealand late next year.
To bridge the gap, the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport has partnered with McCallum Bros Ltd to refit the William Fraser vessel to carry livestock.
Meager said the interim service would clear livestock backlogs and serve as a permanent backup to the Southern Tiare over the next few months and beyond once the new ship arrives.
The William Fraser made its first trip to the Chatham Islands since the refit this week.
“This progress is a massive win for our most remote citizens,” said Meager.
“Reliable shipping drives economic growth, secures healthcare access and sustains livelihoods.
“This Government supports the growth of smaller regional communities just as much as our big cities.”
Meager said “true national prosperity” was measured by the health of “all our regions, not just our primary commercial hubs”.
The Government began the process for the new 77m vessel in March 2025 and confirmed the Crown is funding $24.3 million towards the cost.
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