Oceania Marine in New Zealand has announced that an order has been made for the first of two travelift machines as part of its development plan. Work has commenced on the new Port Whangarei Marine Centre (PWMC) at South Shipyard, Port Whangarei, New Zealand, which will incorporate the new travelift haulout service.
The development is starting with the installation of a 100 tonne Cimolai mobile boat hauler (MBH 100) utilising the extensive sealed hardstand, refit sheds and amenities available at South Shipyard. The works will take approximately 6 months to complete.
Managing Director, Martin Gleeson, says, “The initiative has been some years in the planning and it is exciting for our whole team to finally be starting on the real thing. This first stage not only targets a market that Oceania Marine currently does not cater for but in addition will ease pressure on the slipping schedule of the 800 tonne railway slipway at North Shipyard, located close by, for more large vessel haul outs”
The 100 tonne travelift will have an inside clear width of 10.2 metres making it physically the largest machine in New Zealand. The PWMC at South Shipyard will be offering haulout, refit and repair services to a wide range of vessels both domestic and international.
Marketing Manager Jim Loynes is tasked with promoting the marine centre. He comments, “Whangarei is the main maintenance stop in the South Pacific for the international cruising fraternity. The number of visiting yachts is increasing and so too is the number of sailing catamarans, consequently, we have optimised the travelift to service this market. We plan to finish construction and installation in time to open by at least October this year. Between now and then I will be busy marketing the marine centre and informing everyone of what we will have on offer.”
In addition to the above, provision is also being made for the installation of a 450 tonne Cimolai mobile boat hauler, which is to follow the installation of the smaller travelift. Progress updates on the development of the Centre will be release as construction proceeds.