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Posted by Dale Crisp
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5 March, 2026
THE NEW Zealand Government has signed a delivery agreement with preferred tenderers for a new multi-purpose vessel intended for a 20-year life supplying the Chatham Islands.
Late last year the government selected Lugarno-based Nova Marine Carriers, along with Auckland-headquartered building materials and marine services supplier MacCallum Brothers Ltd, to provide a 77-metre newbuilding, intended to be in operation by 2027.
It will replace the 40-year old Southern Tiare, owned and operated by Chatham Islands Shipping Ltd from Timaru and Napier, which has proven increasingly unreliable despite some NZ$10 million allocated by the NZ Government to keeping it operational ahead of replacement.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager this week said says the delivery agreement milestone ensured the new ship would enter service ahead of Southern Tiare’s retirement.
“The vessel is an economic and community lifeline for the Chatham Islands. The new ship meets locals’ needs and ensures a reliable, long-term service which can be scaled up to grow alongside the Chathams over the next 20 years,” Mr Meager said.
“The ship has been designed to cover all freight requirements. This includes the ability to carry livestock, fuel, vehicles, general and bulk freight. This increase in capacity and service reliability will strengthen sectors such as fishing, farming and tourism. Importantly, it provides certainty to businesses and the community.”
It is estimated that the new ship will be able to transport up to 70,000 stock units per year, based on the minimum number of contracted voyages.
The contract is with 44 South Shipping Limited Partnership, the joint venture of McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers.
The DP World-controlled Nova Marine Carriers owns and operates more than 100 vessels worldwide, specialising in bulk shipping and logistics, while McCallum Bros Ltd has a fleet of New Zealand coastal tugs, barges, landing craft and dredgers also working in the South Pacific.
“The proposal from the McCallum Bros /Nova Marine JV was chosen because the vessel and operational model presented the best solution to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and long-term maritime service for the Chatham Islands over the next 20 years. It also offered the Government the best value for money,” the partners said.
The Crown is funding NZ$24.3 million towards the cost of the new vessel. The ship’s total cost is commercially sensitive.
