The first stage of an extensive Orams Marine development at Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter has been completed.

Years in the making, the project required extensive dredging and construction works before the installation of a 12,000m2 hardstand, three 90m marina piers, a new 820-tonne travel lift, a new 85-tonne travel lift and a water treatment plant.

“What has been created here will serve the industry well into the future,” says Orams Marine CEO, Neven Barbour. “Strengthening the sea wall, containing contamination, plus the in-built water treatment plant – the result is a best-in-class engineering solution.”

David Rankin, chief executive of Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, says the development is a crucial component in the wider vision for Auckland’s waterfront.

Celebrating success. (L-R) Neven Barbour, Ralph Andrews, Craig Park, David Rankin and Peter Busfield.

“The project is a good illustration of one of the core strategies we’ve been pursuing – to retain a genuine, authentic, working waterfront character. It’s great to finally see a big travel lift – the equipment pitches the country very competitively for the international superyacht market.”

Added Peter Busfield, CEO of the NZ Marine Industry Association: “We have confidence for the future. New figures from the Superyacht Report say that with the number of superyachts now in construction, from 2022 there will be in excess of 6,000 superyachts over 30m in length, and around 8,000 by 2030. This provides a huge opportunity for Orams Marine and Auckland to try and capture some of that market.”

The build of a work shed is now underway to allow the 85-tonne travel lift to drive in, providing a covered workspace. The next stage of development will see extensive commercial buildings (completed in the latter part of 2022), with residential development to follow.