Slipway blessed ahead of $20 million upgrade

Local leaders came together early on Tuesday to bless the Nelson Slipway ahead of a $20 million upgrade which will see the facility able to cater to larger vessels.

Kaumātua Harvey Ruru blessed the site as the sun rose on a crisp morning with a karakia and karanga alongside other Te Tauihu iwi leaders.

Port Nelson chief executive officer Hugh Morrison said it’s “exciting” to finally commence with work on the upgrade which he admits has a “tricky” history.

“This project is about the marine engineering industry and the marine service industry. Quite simply, if we did not invest in this project, that industry over time would begin to lose customers and then lose staff. This amazing reputation that Nelson has would diminish and eventually this whole area would cease to be what it is.”

Speaking to industry representatives, Hugh added that he hopes the slipway upgrade “moves your careers and your aspirations forward”.

The focal point of the upgrade will be the $4 million Cimolai marine travel lift currently being built in Italy.

Weighing 300 tonnes and able to lift vessels up to 550 tonnes, Hugh said the 18-metre-tall machine is “an absolute monster”.

“This is going to be a serious piece of equipment. Other than the four tall cranes that we have, it will be the tallest thing down this part of the neighbourhood.”

The Government, through Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, has invested $9.8 million into the $20 million project through a combination of grant, equity, and debt.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said the Government was “proud” to be involved in the funding of the slipway upgrade project which will deliver a real “step-change” for the marine sector in Nelson.

“We have a vision for… the marine sector in Nelson that it be one that drives our economic growth, that drives decent wages, and drives decent jobs for our region, and that’s exactly what this project is bringing.”

She added that the investment into the slipway upgrade stood alongside other Government investments into the Moananui Oceans cluster project and local tech business SnapIT that aim to ensure the marine sector remains the “heartbeat of Nelson in an even bigger way”.

Nelson’s deputy mayor, Rohan O’Neill-Stevens said the region has, at times, neglected to invest in the marine sector.

“Now is the time that we can actually turn and embrace our relationship with the ocean… as part of a future of economic development in this region. We have huge potential.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed by June 2024.