Northland dry dock fast-track consent application lodged
Published: 26 August, 2026
The Northland shipyard and dry dock project has reached an important milestone, with a substantive fast-track application submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on 20 August.
The proposed shipyard and marine maintenance facility at Marsden Point will give New Zealand a local option for servicing, maintaining and repairing large vessels. Some of this work currently takes place overseas, including in Australia and Asia.
Bringing more of this work back to New Zealand will support economic growth and help build local skills, jobs and supply chains.
Economic modelling shows the dry dock could add around $1.05 billion to the economy over 38 years. The project is expected to create about 1,700 jobs during each year of the 3-year construction period and around 450 jobs once it is operating.
The proposed dry dock will be built alongside the western edge of the existing Northport commercial area at Marsden Point.
The government is supporting the project through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
The project is being delivered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on behalf of the Crown, with technical support provided by Northport (the existing port operator).
The project is listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (FTAA). The Act’s purpose is to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits.
Once the consent application is determined as complete and within scope by the EPA, it will be referred to an independent expert panel for final decisions.
Find out more about the Northland dry dock project.