New Zealand-based Oceania Marine acquires new 560T yacht lift for refit and repairs

Oceania Marine has announced the launch of a new 560 tonne marine travel lift at its South Shipyard in Port Whangārei, New Zealand. The new machine is one of New Zealand’s biggest marine travel lifts and also establishes Oceania Marine as one of the South Pacific’s premiere refit and repair destinations for superyachts.Photo: Oceania MarineThe new marine travel lift is used for lifting and transporting vessels onto the hardstand at the South Shipyard and will increase the shipyard's ability to service yachts from 100 tonnes to 560 tonnes. The new machine complements Oceania Marine’s existing 100 tonne machine and will provide cost efficient, flexible haul-out options for recreational and commercial operators.

The launch of the lift also marked the opening of Oceania Marine’s Business Hub for use by other marine industry colleagues as well as the launch of the Oceania Yacht Agency.“With both the 100T and 560T machines in operation, the extensive hardstand and undercover refit facilities available at South Shipyard will be an attractive option for yachts,” commented Oceania Marine Managing Director, Martin Gleeson.

“With this new marine lift, we have the ability for multiple ships to be worked on at one time, it opens potential for new jobs and apprenticeships, and it creates jobs in support industries.”As well as increasing the level of service provided by the shipyard, the new lift has helped to fund civil works at the South Shipyard. This includes new piers, hardstand reinforcements and other works.In 2019, Oceania Marine was approved for a loan of up to $5.84 million AUS from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to buy the 560-tonne capability travel lift and complete the supporting civil works.

“The boat and ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul market is highly lucrative, so our investment in this sector has the potential to be transformational for the region’s economy, as well as providing high pay, highly skilled apprenticeship and employment opportunities for Whangārei,” added Robert Pigou, Head of Kanoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.