Business North October 2021

| 21 Vessel Works MARINA INDUSTRY Service facility thriving in Tauranga Kelly Deeks The 3.4ha Vessel Works precinct is home to a 350-tonne travel lift and has unlimited access to nationally and internationally renowned contractors. New Zealand’s premier marine painters, providing an international standard of finish to the local market. From luxury yachts to work boats, we’ve got you covered! Super Yacht Coatings are proud to support Vessel Works 0800 SY COAT www.superyachtcoatings.com | info@superyachtcoatings.com T auranga’s premier marine service facili- ty, Vessel Works continues to strengthen and support Tauranga’s thriving marine industry even during the current global Cov- id-19 pandemic. In 2018, Tauranga City Council opened a 3.4ha marine precinct by the harbour bridge called Vessel Works. This state-of-the-art facility is home to a 350-tonne travel lift and unlimited access to nationally and internation- ally renowned contractors. “Vessel Works continues to grow and thrive,” says marine precinct director Dave Withington. “We cater for vessels requiring refit, mainte - nance, or repair, and our site is an approved Port of First Arrival and Transitional facility.” Tauranga’s marine service sector provides a comprehensive range of products and services to owners and skippers from all over the world. Many of these local companies and con- tractors are now based permanently at Vessel Works and can provide everything from heavy or light engineering, to anti-foul and topside painting, water or garnet blasting, woodwork, fiberglass, metal fabrication, and upholstery. “However as an open yard, any contractor can be engaged to work on a vessel at Vessel Works, providing they hold the right insuranc- es,” Dave says. “Our prices are available on the website, so you can make informed decisions for what’s best for you, your vessel and crew.” When it comes to crew, the advantages of being located in the little piece of paradise called Tauranga speak volumes. “The crews that come in on the super yachts and work vessels love being here. “They often stay in Mount Maunganui, with surfing, cafes, and mountain biking on their doorstep. Skiing at Mt Ruapehu and fly fishing in Turangi are only a few hours away too. “Tauranga’s well serviced domestic airport is a gateway to the rest of the country, and is only a 10-minute drive from Vessel Works,” Dave says. Vessel Works is committed to maintaining its reputation as a world class facility, and continues to invest in developing its offering to cater to industry demand. Currently there are plans in discussion to extend the waterfront wharf which will run along the entirety of the precinct. “This would allow vessels to load and un- load or undergo work on the water, without being hauled out.” This development, as well as any future works are all part of the plan to support the local marine sector and further cement Tau- ranga as a regional hub for marine activities. “We cater for vessels requiring refit, maintenance, or repair, and our site is an approved Port of First Arrival and Transitional facility.”