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McCallum Bros Limited and Nova Marine Carriers SA through its joint venture 44 South Shipping were selected by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to undertake the design, build, and management of a replacement supply vessel for the MV Southern Tiare.
This vessel will supply the Chatham and Pitt Islands with an efficient and reliable shipping service into the future. We would like to take this opportunity to thank MoT for their efforts and work during this process. We are pleased to confirm that the new Chatham and Pitt Islands’ vessel build is now underway, with design work progressing and key components already on order to construct a fit-for-purpose vessel for the benefit of the Chatham and Pitt Islands for the next 20-plus years.
44 South Shipping has signed a shipbuilding contract with the shipyard Anhui Port & Shipping Sealand Equipment Co., Limited in China. The shipyard working alongside naval architect company SDARI has now commenced the detailed design of the vessel, which captures points from our engagement with the community.
While awaiting the detailed design that allows construction to commence, the shipyard has been ordering the key machinery components such as the main engines and auxiliary generators. With lead times of up to 14 months, coupled with the current disruptions to shipping and material costs worldwide, it is essential to secure these machinery supply contracts in a timely manner.
Given the complexity of the build and the very short delivery timeframes, building in China was the only practical option for such a unique, multipurpose vessel. 44 South Shipping has been very fortunate to leverage off the reputation and extensive shipbuilding experience of Nova Marine Carriers SA to secure a build-spot at a state-owned shipyard, especially given how full the order books of shipyards are globally.
With the deposit now paid to the shipyard, the next milestone is the steel cutting ceremony, which is anticipated to commence at or around the end of August 2026. The ceremony will mark the formal commencement of construction: cutting the hull’s first steel plates.
Our team’s focus is now ensuring that the vessel is designed and built to the highest standards for international shipbuilding and animal welfare regulations.
Preliminary vessel design [PDF, 430 KB]
The estimated delivery date for the vessel in China is for the backend of 2027.
Following the handover of the vessel from the shipyard to 44 South Shipping in China, the vessel will then navigate over 5,500 nautical miles to reach New Zealand. This journey is expected to take approximately 30 days.
Upon arrival in New Zealand, the vessel will undergo customs clearance, biosecurity checks and Maritime New Zealand compliance. The timeline for these compliance items is expected to take up to two months.
We anticipate to commence the new Chathams and Pitt Islands shipping service with the new vessel by late 2027 and no later than March 2028. We will keep you updated as time progresses.
In conjunction with MoT, Ministry for Primary Industry and Maritime New Zealand, McCallum Bros Limited is undertaking works to its 68m landing craft vessel MV William Fraser that will allow her to be used as a livestock carrier to service the Chatham and Pitt Islands. The intention for using the William Fraser is to assist the MV Southern Tiare in moving livestock, with the initial focus on supporting the Pitt Island farming community.
It is anticipated that the William Fraser will enter service on or about July 2026 subject to regulatory approval(s). Ultimately, the William Fraser will be used as a back-up vessel to support the reliability of the new shipping service when the new vessel enters operation. In addition to the carriage of livestock, the William Fraser can carry fuel and general cargo.
The William Fraser is no stranger to the Chatham Islands having undertaken an emergency supply run transporting fuel to the Island in 2024. We will provide an update as the conversion of the William Fraser nears completion, including the booking and proposed shipping schedule information.
Our team recently visited Bass Strait Shipping in Tasmania, Australia. The purpose of this trip was to see the livestock and general freight shipping service firsthand from an operator who has vast experience of shipping livestock.
We are in constant communication with experienced operators such as Bass Strait Shipping and other livestock shipping companies located in Europe to ensure the vessel meets the needs of the Chatham and Pitt Islands, as well as ensuring the vessel is designed to the highest standards for animal welfare.
We would like to thank the Chatham and Pitt Islands community for your engagement to date. We look forward to visiting the islands over the coming months to continue these conversations and ensure we deliver the best possible shipping service for the community.
If you have any questions, please reach out to project@mccallumbros.co.nz
