The Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project has had its Fast-track application accepted as complete by the Environmental Protection Authority, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
The application for the planned shipyard and marine maintenance facility at Marsden Point will next be referred for consideration by an independent expert panel.
“This is another important milestone for the project. Clearing this first procedural step means an expert panel can now consider the application for this nationally and regionally significant piece of infrastructure,” Mr Jones says.
“The Northland dry dock is an example of the concrete steps the Government is taking to address New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit, with Cabinet ring-fencing $100 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to see this important project progress.
“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.”
New Zealand currently relies on access to 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,” Mr Jones says.
“The scale of this project means construction would provide a significant boost to Northland. Once operating, the dry dock is also expected to support hundreds of permanent jobs and deliver lasting economic benefits to the region.”
Progressing work on the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock is part of the New Zealand First-National coalition agreement.