A 3D-rendered image of the new ship. Photo: Supplied
The Chatham Island's mayor says a new supply vessel on the horizon means the community can now plan for its future.
The government has confirmed a new 78-metre ship to service the Chathams will be on the water by late 2027 - replacing the ageing vessel Southern Tiare.
Mayor Monique Croon told Midday Report the ship was vital to the island's economy.
"It's our State Highway 1. It brings in all our groceries and fuel ... also we're a large exporter so we have fish and stock to go out."
Croon said $35 million was put aside in Budget 2022 for a replacement ship, at least $10m of which has been spent keeping the current 40-year-old vessel operational.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager and Chathams mayor Monique Croon during the announcement. Photo: Supplied / Chatham Islands Council
In his announcement of the deal with McCallum Brothers and Nova Marine Carriers S-A, Associate Transport Minister James Meager said Southern Tiare was older than him and the ship was nearing the end of its commercial life.
"Increasing unreliability and high maintenance costs have created significant hardship for a community which relies on it to import and export critical supplies."
He said unreliability had resulted in nearly exhausted fuel supplies and widespread culls of livestock that couldn't be shipped out.
"This deeply impacts livelihoods and wellbeing and must be resolved."
The deal is still being finalised and the cost of the new vessel has not been revealed.
The new vessel is expected to service the Chatham Islands for the next 20 years.
Photo: Supplied / Chatham Islands Council
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