3 Oct 2013

New Nelson jobs from ship repair deal

9:15 am on 3 October 2013

Port Nelson has landed the lion's share of an $80 million oil ship repair deal in a move that will create about 200 new jobs.

Offshore oil field operator OMV has decided to bring its floating oil storage ship Raroa, which is normally moored off Taranaki, to Nelson for the project.

The deal will involve 200 specialists working around the clock on repairs and upgrades.

The move is a coup for Nelson since other ports including Taranaki, which is most often used by the oil and gas industry, also bid for the work.

Port Taranaki will still benefit as it will serve as the home port for the six service vessels required for the job.

OMV managing director Peter Zeilinger says Nelson was the obvious choice because it has easier access than Taranaki and very sheltered conditions.

Raroa will arrive in Nelson in the next few weeks and is expected back in the Maari oil field off Taranaki in November.