[ad_1]
The Government is chartering the Rangitata vessel for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier after Cyclone Gabrielle damaged critical roading infrastructure.
Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan said on Thursday that there was potential for the route to be extended to Tauranga and the South Island, using funding approved by Regional Economic Development ministers.
The Government is providing a $500,000 grant and $2.25 million underwrite to Eastland Port for the charter of the Rangitata for the coming three months, she said.
“Cyclone Gabrielle has significantly damaged key roads and rail routes. Currently the transportation of products between Gisborne to Napier is more than nine hours by truck.
READ MORE:
* Poorly treated human waste from Napier likely to enter sea for months
* Tairāwhiti welcomes $943,000 from Stuff fundraiser
* Police extend search for Gisborne man who’s been missing for a month
“Agriculture and horticulture is vital to the East Coast economy and this investment will respond to the critical need to get products – vegetables, meat, wool, timber and wine – out of Gisborne and to the market.”
Rangitata owner Coastal Bulk was one recipient of the Government $30m Coastal Shipping fund in 2022, which co-invested with four costal shipping companies to improve domestic shipping services and efficiency, transport resilience, reduce emissions, and upgrade maritime infrastructure.
“This investment in the blue highway will also speed up recovery efforts, allowing for the swifter delivery of construction and rebuild materials into the East Coast,” she said.
RYAN ANDERSON/Stuff
The road heading east from Tolaga Bay, Gisborne remains closed, due to damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle
“There is strong support for this coastal shipping route from local produce growers, manufacturers, wine industry, meat processors, and timber exporters, based in both Gisborne and Wairoa.
The Rangitata will arrive in Gisborne about midday on Monday, said Andrew Gaddum, Eastland Port chief operating officer Regional Infrastructure.
“Without this grant we wouldn’t be able to make this happen, so we are over the moon and very grateful we can continue to service our community,” he said.
“We’ve heard from our customers that the current road freight alternative to Napier is costing them thousands of dollars, so it’s great we can keep the money in the pocket of our local people.”
The $2.25m will cover the cost of three months of usage, at $750,000 per month. The $750,000 covers the vessel charter, crew, insurance, and fuel costs.
Half a million dollars in capital expenditure would accelerate the wharf rebuilt at Gisborne Port, and fund infrastructure related to electrical connection points for reefer containers used for meat processors.
[ad_2]