Construction begins on Chatham Islands ship
Construction of the Chatham Islands’ new supply vessel is now underway, securing a vital economic lifeline for the local people and businesses living and working on the Islands.
Steel cutting for the hull officially began on 17 September, marking the start of construction and keeping the project on track for delivery in late 2027.
“This marks a major milestone,” Associate Transport Minister James Meager says. “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.
Designed to scale up alongside the Chathams' growth, the new replacement vessel will be able to carry livestock, fuel, vehicles and bulk freight - providing certainty into the local fishing, farming and tourism sectors. The service will also extend to neighbouring Pitt Island.
“Reliable shipping is vital for the Chathams’ survival and prosperity,” Minister Meager says. “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 existing William Fraser vessel to carry livestock. This interim service will clear current livestock backlogs on both islands and serve as a permanent back-up both to the Southern Tiare over the next few months, and beyond that 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,” Minister Meager says. “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. True national prosperity is measured by the health of all our regions, not just our primary commercial hubs.”
Notes to Editor:
- The Government began a procurement process in March 2025. It selected the joint venture involving McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers SA (44 South Shipping Limited Partnership) as the preferred supplier in September 2025.
- The joint venture (44 South Shipping) is providing regular updates to the Chatham Islands community about the new vessel and also in relation to the backup services now available from the William Fraser.
- The Crown is funding $24.3 million towards the cost of the new vessel. The ship’s total cost is commercially sensitive.
- The new ship’s length was previously reported to be 78 metres. This has now been confirmed to be 77 metres, following the vessel’s design finalisation.
- Image and footage of The William Fraser first trip to Chatham Islands.
