Napier Port and Port Otago partner to buy $36M Damen dredger

Napier Port and Port Otago have announced that they are joining forces to buy a state-of-the-art trailing suction hopper dredger.

The two companies have entered a joint venture to build and purchase a $36 million TSHD from Dutch shipbuilders Damen Shipyards.

The partnership builds on a long-standing collaborative relationship between the two ports and will see formation of a new dredging company, via a Limited Partnership Agreement.

Given New Zealand’s relatively small size, this investment is a financially astute approach to ensuring the country’s port infrastructure is well placed to meet the future demands of global shipping.

From a safety and resilience perspective, it protects the two ports’ shipping channels and harbour access for future generations.

Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson commented: “The new dredger will enable Napier Port to optimize its current resource consents, valid until 2053, to incrementally deepen our shipping channels over time, from their current depth of 12.5 meters at low water to the consented depth of 14.5 meters. This will accommodate larger, deeper-draft vessels and strengthen the port’s ability to handle future growth.”

Port Otago will manage and operate the dredger, leveraging its 150 years of expertise in dredging operations. Port Otago Chief Executive Kevin Winders said: “The new Damen TSHD-1000 is fitted with industry-leading dredging and monitoring systems. Replacing our 40-year-old New Era suction hopper dredge with such advanced technology will improve operation efficiency, reduce our carbon footprint and operate with a lighter touch on nature.”

The dredge will also provide the capability to respond to unforeseen events. For instance, following Cyclone Gabrielle, emergency dredging was critical to maintaining safe shipping channels and lifeline access for emergency supplies into the region.

The two companies expect the new TSHD to be operational by late 2026.

Damen TSHD-1000 specs