Construction of a new supply ship for the Chatham Islands is set to begin after the Government confirmed a ship delivery agreement has been signed.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the agreement marks a major milestone in the procurement of the new vessel, which is expected to be delivered by the end of 2027 ahead of the retirement of the current Southern Tiare ship.
“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,” Meager says.
The 77-metre vessel will replace the nearly 40-year-old Southern Tiare and has been designed to handle a wide range of cargo.
“The ship, which will be bigger than the nearly 40-year-old Southern Tiare, has been designed to cover all freight requirements. This includes the ability to carry livestock, fuel, vehicles, general and bulk freight,” Meager says.
“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.”
The contract has been signed with 44 South Shipping Limited Partnership, a joint venture between McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers.
Meager says the agreement follows last year’s decision to name the joint venture as the preferred supplier.
“I want to thank the Chatham Islands community for its patience and cooperation throughout this process. With negotiations concluded, we now have certainty around cost, delivery timeframes, and performance expectations,” he says.
“With this agreement, we have secured reliable and affordable shipping services between the Chatham Islands and mainland New Zealand for the coming decades.
“This is a great outcome for the people in our most remote community, and is another example of our commitment to fixing the basics and building the future.”
The Government began the procurement process in March 2025 and selected the McCallum Bros and Nova Marine Carriers joint venture as the preferred supplier in September 2025.
The Crown is contributing $24.3 million toward the cost of the vessel, while the total project cost remains commercially sensitive. The vessel’s finalised design confirms it will measure 77 metres in length, slightly shorter than the previously reported 78 metres.
