Super-yacht service facility set to hit Auckland's Wynyard Quarter

Friday, 1 June 2018

A new marine facility on Auckland's waterfront, capable of servicing vessels up to 620 tonnes, has been given the green light ahead of the America's Cup.

The development, which will be on Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, was given the go-ahead by Panuku Development Auckland, on Friday.

It will include a travel lift to haul out and service large vessels, and is expected to produce 500 new jobs.

NZ Marine executive director Peter Busfield welcomed the news, and said the facility would aim to take full economic advantage of having the America's Cup in local waters.

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Limited facilities in New Zealand for adequately hauling out large vessels meant local companies were regularly turning away work, he said.

Orams Marine expected to complete the marine elements of the site by early 2021 in order to take advantage of the influx of commercial and spectator vessels which will arrive with the regatta.

'The Orams Site 18 project will further enhance our capability of providing quality refits and maintenance on the world luxury yacht market,' Orams Marine services managing director Craig Park said.

'The latest 620 tonne travel hoist will allow us to triple our capacity for vessels out of the water. This is a momentous project that will put Auckland and New Zealand at the forefront of the world refit and maintenance industry.'

Orams Marine had put 'significant effort' into creating a hub which added sustainable value to the wider Auckland economy, alongside its positive injection into the marine industry, he said.

Vessels the facility will be able to service will include fishing boats, ferries, commercial vessels and super yachts.

The announcement comes just days after mayor Phil Goff set aside $100 million over the next few years for the America's Cup.