A new marine haul-out and maintenance facility at Port Nelson has officially opened, with industry and government leaders saying it will strengthen the region’s marine sector and support economic growth.
The Calwell Marine Maintenance and Transitional Facility is a $29 million investment co-funded by Port Nelson, Nelson City Council and the Government, administered through Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.
The facility includes a slipway, hardstand area and a 550-tonne mobile boat hoist, enabling vessels of up to 2400 tonnes to be serviced locally.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the project is a key addition to the region’s marine infrastructure.
“The Calwell Marine Maintenance and Transitional Facility is a key piece of infrastructure that strengthens Nelson’s position as a hub for marine servicing and support,” Jones says.
“The hardstand development adds to the region’s ability to service additional vessels. It removes smaller vessels from the larger Calwell Slipway, making room for larger vessels.”
Port Nelson chief executive Matt McDonald says the facility reflects a long-term investment in the region’s marine capability.
“Calwell is an important investment in our blue economy. It builds resilience in the regional marine engineering sector and creates opportunities for growth across both commercial and recreational marine industries,” McDonald says.
The facility is expected to contribute about $3.8 million annually to the Nelson-Tasman economy and attract both domestic and international marine maintenance work.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the project forms part of a broader strategy to position the city as a marine hub.
“This combination of facilities is about making Nelson the go-to place for servicing and maintaining the hundreds of fishing, aquaculture, recreational and other boats that use the vast oceans surrounding New Zealand,” Smith says.
Tasman Mayor Tim King says the benefits will extend across the wider region.
“This new facility at Port Nelson represents an important investment in regional infrastructure… its benefits extend well beyond the city boundary,” King says.
The project received $9.8 million in Crown equity and employed 45 people during construction. It forms part of a wider programme of marine infrastructure upgrades in the region, including a separate marina development expected to begin in May.
