Ten Years On: Port Whangarei Marine Centre Built for Modern Demand
The Port Whangarei Marine Centre (PWMC) has marked a significant milestone, ten years on from hauling out its first vessel using what was then a new 100-tonne travel lift. Over the past decade, PWMC has navigated COVID shutdowns and the cyclical nature of the marine industry to reach the present day, with the hardstand now operating at full capacity through the busy summer season.
The origins of PWMC date back to 2012, when the shareholders of Oceania Marine set out to modernise their operations. At the time, haul-out capability was limited to a traditional railway slipway at North Shipyard in Port Whangarei, New Zealand. Extensive research and overseas travel informed a clear direction: a move toward travel lift haul-out capability supported by efficient, flexible hardstand facilities better suited to modern vessels.
A former BAE Systems shipyard site, located a few kilometres south of North Shipyard, became available for lease. While the site had no haul-out capability, it offered substantial fabrication infrastructure and space for development. Oceania Marine secured a long-term lease, laying the foundations for what would become South Shipyard.
Oceania Marine Group Managing Director, Martin Gleeson, recalls the significance of those early decisions:
“We travelled extensively and conducted considerable research before settling on our development plan, and our team worked extremely hard to turn that vision into reality. Seeing the first vessel in the travel lift slings was a key milestone. Looking back, many of the decisions around design and layout have proven to be the right ones—particularly ensuring the travel lift and hardstand could accommodate modern fast sailboats and catamarans.”
Over the following three years, Stage I of the South Shipyard development was completed. This included the installation of a 100-tonne Cimolai travel lift, purpose-built piers, and supporting onshore infrastructure, representing an investment of approximately $3 million. The development enabled Oceania Marine to diversify into markets that could not be serviced by the traditional slipway.
At the same time, the Port Whangarei Marine Centre was established as a separate business entity. PWMC was created as a dedicated travel lift and hardstand operation, providing an efficient and economical solution for smaller vessels (up to 20 metres LOA), while Oceania Marine continued to focus on larger vessels and complex refit projects.
The first haul-out at PWMC took place on 6 November 2015, followed by the official opening on 4 December 2015, overseen by Whangārei’s Mayor. From the outset, the marine centre offered extensive hardstand areas, refit and paint sheds, and crew amenities for live-aboards. Full shipyard services were available through Oceania Marine’s experienced marine trades team, supported by a strong network of specialist contractors and suppliers.
10 years ago the Port Whangarei Marine Centre’s first haulout on the 100 tonne travel lift
The establishment of PWMC — and particularly the completion of the $7 million Stage II development in November 2022 with the commissioning of a 560-tonne travel lift — has acted as a catalyst for wider marine infrastructure growth at Port Whangarei. Whangarei Marina has since expanded to increase capacity for the international cruising fleet that regularly uses Port Whangarei as a midpoint during circumnavigation. In parallel, Port Nikau has upgraded its facilities to accommodate larger vessels and enhance access to the region’s marine services.
Today, PWMC is firmly established as a key component of Northland’s marine capability. Operating at or near capacity through peak periods, the centre supports a consistent mix of domestic and international vessels, with infrastructure designed around the needs of modern yachts and multihulls. Ten years on from its first lift, PWMC is well positioned to meet future demand and to remain a cornerstone of the Port Whangarei marine ecosystem for decades to come.
10 years on and the Port Whangarei Marine Centre offers a economical and efficient service designed to accommodate modern vessels.
For more information or to discuss you project contact marine centre manager Dan: Mobile/WhatsApp +64 21533198 – info@portwhangarei.com – or by enquiry form on www.portwhangarei.com