| 47 Q-West Boat Builders MARINE MADE TO FIT. MADE TO PROTECT. MADE HERE • Bullbars • Nudge Bars • Steps & Racks • Custom-made products • Light-weight aluminium • Real Kiwi service ALIARC.CO.NZ 0800 4 BULLBARS Proudly designed & manufactured in New Zealand 46 Hillside Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland enquiries@enl.co.nz | www.enl.co.nz Phone: (09) 373 5595 ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION MARINE SOLUTIONS SINCE 1945 T T Kelly Deeks Yard capacity makes the difference Current projects include the refit of a police patrol vessel. Q-West Boat Builders is powering through one of its busiest periods in years, with four major vessels under construction and two more Auckland ferry contracts recently secured, reinforcing the Whanganui company’s standing as one of New Zealand’s leading aluminium boat builders. Chief executive, Colin Mitchell, says the yard is operating at full capacity as demand grows for commercial workboats, patrol craft, and low-emission passenger ferries. Current projects include two patrol boats, one electric ferry for Auckland services, and the refit of a police patrol vessel. Several other craft are also in the yard for refurbishment work. Established in 1994, Q-West has built a reputation for delivering specialist vessels on time and on budget, with repeat clients across New Zealand and Australia. Colin says the company’s ability to manage multiple builds at once sets it apart. “There are not many yards in New Zealand that can build four different vessels at one time,” he says. The latest contracts continue a long relationship with Auckland operators, where Q-West has built several ferries already in service. The two newly signed passenger vessels are 24-metre craft for the Pine Harbour to downtown Auckland route, an increasingly important commuter link as the area expands. “That service is growing strongly. By road it can take two and a half hours, but the ferry can do the trip in around half an hour. It is a great transport solution,” says Colin. A major focus for the business is electric propulsion, with Q-West now constructing battery- powered ferries designed to reduce fuel costs, lower emissions, and improve passenger comfort. Colin says the vessels will operate between Auckland terminals, using battery power for crossings before recharging quickly at berth. “When they come back they plug in for a few minutes and replace the energy used for the trip. Electricity is cheaper than diesel, more efficient, and the vessels are quieter as well.” He says quieter craft also create a better onboard experience and reduce disturbance to marine wildlife. Q-West’s early experience in electric conversion work helped position the company for growing demand. Several years ago, the yard completed an electric retrofit project involving HamiltonJet technology, giving staff valuable knowledge of battery systems. “Because we have already done that work, we were able to price these new projects with confidence,” Colin says. The yard is also building advanced foil-assisted catamarans for police and patrol work, including vessels for Auckland and Victoria, Australia. Designed to reduce drag and improve efficiency, the foil technology lifts the hull through the water, allowing faster speeds with lower fuel burn. Beyond current contracts, the company is investing in future growth through a new hard stand facility and heavy lift capability at Whanganui Port. “The hard stand is complete and the machine is there ready to go,” Colin says. After decades in the industry, Colin says the motivation remains simple. “I’m still here after all these years and I’m still passionate about it. We just build boats, but what we are really good at is delivering on our promises and making our customers happy.”
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