The New Zealand Government will invest NZ$8 million (US$5 million) in a new crane-equipped hopper dredger to ensure vital supplies can be delivered to regional communities cut off by natural disasters and other major emergencies.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said that recent storms and major events like Cyclone Gabrielle can, "significantly impact communities," thus leaving sea transport as the only means of delivering essential supplies due to road and rail links being rendered unavailable.
"However, there have been cases of vital goods unable to get into ports, including in Greymouth, Whanganui and Opotiki, as the sites require dredging to ensure enough depth for ships’ access," Meager remarked.
Meager said the vessel will be specifically designed for low-cost, small-to-medium scale work, thus making it far more commercially viable and technically suited for smaller sites.
The vessel will be available for use nationwide and can be deployed at short notice, "to restore navigable depths so essential supplies can enter and communities can recover sooner," added Meager.
The vessel"s total cost is NZ$12.9 million (US$7.7 million), with the remainder being co-funded by Northland-based marine construction company Johnson Bros. It will be operational in late 2027.
