40 | A top choice for refits Tauranga’s location as one of the country’s largest ports provides a welcome stop for visiting vessels. T T Kim Newth “Our team is always available to help clients identify the most suitable contractors for their project.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Vessel Works Vessel Works hosts a steady flow of vessels year-round, drawing a mix of recreational and commercial motor yachts, sailing yachts, commercial work boats and specialist craft from local boat builders through to larger visiting vessels. August through to December is particularly busy in the lead up to the South Pacific summer season, while winter typically sees larger or longer-term refits, along with ongoing maintenance for local operators. Winter is an ideal time for refits, as vessels are often out of service for cruising and contractor availability is generally strong. The Vessel Works site has robust health and safety systems, including controlled access, contractor inductions and strict procedures around heavy machinery and vessel movements. Vessel Works attracts many international vessels, particularly those cruising the South Pacific or transiting between Australia, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. Tauranga’s location as one of the country’s largest ports provides a welcome stop for visiting vessels. “We also operate a Port of First Arrival pontoon onsite, allowing international vessels arriving from across the Tasman or Pacific to clear directly into New Zealand,” says Vessel Works General Manager Alisha King. “This service was previously unavailable in Tauranga and is scheduled to be operational at Vessel Works from March 2026.” For those planning their next refit with Vessel Works, Alisha encourages booking well in advance, particularly if it’s a larger or more complex project. Some vessel owners book a year or more ahead and she notes that many local operators are very organised with their long-term planning. Costs will vary depending on vessel size, scope of works and duration. As Vessel Works is an open yard, refit costs are largely influenced by the contractors selected by the vessel and the extent of works completed onboard. “Our team is always available to help clients identify the most suitable contractors for their project. We work with a broad network of highly-skilled marine contractors and professionals covering all trades required for a refit, maintenance and repair work, both locally and across New Zealand. Many are based within the marine precinct or in nearby Tauranga, [as Tauranga is home to three haul out yards and marina facilities].” Some of the services provided by contractors include engineering, electrical, fabrication, painting, rigging, systems work, interiors and other specialist marine services. Vessel Works’ contractor network includes established Tauranga businesses that have been operating for 30 years or more, along with newer specialist operators expanding into the region. All must meet safety and insurance requirements and hold contractor licences with Vessel Works to ensure high standards are maintained across safety, workmanship and the overall client experience. “Many contractors have strong reputations both nationally and internationally, particularly within the superyacht and commercial marine sectors. Coordination between contractors is managed either by the vessel’s designated representative or through Vessel Works, which can provide project oversight or management support.” Alisha observes that successful refits rely on strong coordination between all those involved. Vessels are compact spaces and many work areas overlap, so reliable sequencing and clear communication are critical. The process typically starts with planning and quoting well in advance to secure contractor and parts availability. Once on-site, Vessel Works undertakes the haul-out, wash-down and blocking. Contractors and crew then commence works such as hull maintenance, painting, mechanical and electrical servicing, system upgrades and compliance checks. Final stages include testing, inspections and re-launch. Vessel Works’ 350-tonne mobile vessel hoist provides scale and flexibility, allowing for a broad range of vessels to be serviced. Based in Tauranga, Vessel Works is committed to supporting marine skills development in the region, working with local training providers such as Toi Ohomai, hosting site visits and engaging with local business organisations to highlight the wider marine industry. “Vessel Works is proud to support Tauranga’s marine industry and to provide a facility that delivers high-quality outcomes for vessel owners, operators and contractors alike.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING VESSEL WORKS 027 733 2452 admin@jse.co.nz We provide a full range of boat building and repair services for both commercial and recreational vessels, including: • New vessel construction • Vessel refits & repairs • Osmosis repairs • Fibreglassing & marine engineering • Boat painting & antifouling • Hard tops & teak work EXPERT BOAT BUILDERS AND SHIPWRIGHTS IN TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND, SINCE 1993. Hutcheson Boatbuilders Ltd, 17 Hikuwai Place, Sulphur Point, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand. hutchesonboats.co.nz gregm@soboats.co.nz | 021 279 4428 | www.soboats.co.nz . . | | . . . WWW.NZMPS.CO.NZ
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