Project manager Scott Davies-Colley and Wharf manager Blair Smeal at the new pontoon with Senses in the background. Photo / Tania Whyte
Project manager Scott Davies-Colley and Wharf manager Blair Smeal at the new pontoon with Senses in the background. Photo / Tania Whyte
A newly complete $1.2 million Port Nikau project allows for on-water refits of large luxury vessels, further supporting Whangārei's burgeoning superyacht service industry.
And although a border closure wasn't factored into the three-year project planning, the floating pontoon has so far hosted three international luxury vessels. However, its future useis unknown.
Wharf manager Blair Smeal said the 59-metre super yacht Senses, which arrived in Whangārei last year for a refit at the nearby Ship Repair NZ, had booked the facility and it was, "definitely all go to get it ready before the boat turned up".
"We've been very lucky to have it [used] to date."
The 50m long floating pontoon can moor four vessels of up to 65m. It has also drawn two other international super yachts since May, including the Douce France and Clan V111.
It was built to allow larger superyachts to berth in Whangārei close to the established marine service industry, which already had an international reputation. It is the first facility dedicated to superyacht on-water refits in Whangārei.
The 50m long floating pontoon allows for on-water super vessel refits. Photo / Tania Whyte
But Port Nikau co-owner Tony Davies-Colley said with the border restrictions, the future for hosting further international vessels was unknown.
"Whangārei previously didn't have berthage dedicated to on-water refits suitable for large superyachts. This complements the already-established boat yards and slipway facilities in Whangārei. This facility helps to expand Northland's already-established marine industry by bringing in high-end super yachts."
The project was temporarily put on hold during Covid, but there was enough demand from the boats allowed through the borders that it went ahead.
"But, going forward, it is unknown as there's constraints with the owners who can't get in. The crews come down and go through quarantine but the owners don't travel with them," he explained.
"So having some future direction on what New Zealand's doing would be really good for the industry."
With the added facility, Port Nikau has capacity for between five and seven 30-80m superyachts to undertake refits or berth. The world's largest aluminium yacht, the 81m Sea Eagle II, currently resides there.
The area caters for up to 60 vessels ranging from a local fishing fleet to international super yachts.. Resource consent has recently been obtained for another 120-yacht marina catering for up to 20m boats, with the first 30-boat finger aiming to be available next year.
It is part of a bigger plan for the lower Port Rd waterfront area comprising 90 urban hectares that makes up Port Nikau, formerly known as Port Whangārei.
The long-term plan is to transform Port Nikau from the city's industrial backbone to a modern, sustainable, urban harbourside community. It will include residential precincts, a village centre, entertainment and recreational areas and business and commercial zones.
Over the past decade, business partners have worked to support and manage existing commercial interests with a particular focus on strengthening marine facilities using the deep water marina, a legacy from the days when Port Nikau was Northland's trading port.
This latest $1.2 million pontoon project included electricity and water installation and allows refit work to be done at all tide levels. It was built to support the rapidly growing superyacht service industry in Whangārei and would be a huge economic benefit to Whangārei, said Davies-Colley.
CLAN VIII reversing into place at the new super yacht floating pontoon shortly after completion. Photo / Jodi Bryant
The $45 million Senses, formerly owned by a Google co-founder, had arrived in Whangārei last year and moved to Port Nikau for more work in March. Although it is the only boat on the pontoon, Douce France was expected to return soon for further work.
Foreign vessels are not permitted to arrive in New Zealand unless they have an exemption, according to the Maritime Border Order. Among other circumstances, vessels may be granted an exemption if it is for a significant refit.
