Vietnam’s 189 Shipyard has launched a new trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) slated for Port Otago and Napier Port in New Zealand.
The nearly 60-metre Kapuka is in her final fit-out stage, with tests and commissioning taking place alongside the quay, and delivery scheduled for later this year.
Napier Port previously said it expects the TSHD to reach Port Chalmers in December following a 32- to 38-day voyage from Vietnam.
The two New Zealand ports formed a joint venture in December 2024 to purchase the NZ$36 million (US$20 million) dredger.
Port Otago will manage and operate the jointly owned vessel, which will provide dedicated capacity for the two ports’ harbour maintenance programmes.
The ports ordered the TSHD in January 2025. The design was customised for their operating requirements and has a hopper capacity of 1,000 cubic metres.
Upon completion, Kapuka will measure 59 metres long and 12 metres wide with a deadweight of 1,400 and an approximate speed of 10 knots. Her pumps have a stated capacity of about 2,000 cubic metres per hour.
The new dredger will eventually replace Port Otago’s New Era, which was built at Port Chalmers in 1985.