notices
CISL DEPOT UPDATE
Timaru Depot – will be open for receiving freight on the 13th of October with a close off at midday the 23rd of October. This is for the first sailing after drydocking!
With the Southern Tiare heading to dry dock after this voyage, we would like all freight to be collected from the Waitangi Depot and port facility by 4 pm, Friday the 10th of October.
Waitangi Depot will be closed during dry dock, re opening 29th October.
A reminder all outstanding and current freight bills are to be paid before we release your cargo.
Ngā mihi,
CISL Team
www.chathamislandsshipping.co.nz
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30 September 2025 CHATHAM ISLANDS SHIPPING LIMITED – FUTURE SHIPPING SERVICES DECISION
Statement: Chatham Islands Shipping Limited (CISL) is naturally disappointed not to have been successful in securing the Government’s new ship build contract for the Chatham Islands.
Throughout the selection process, we openly shared our expertise and sensitive commercial information to support a ‘best-for-Chathams’ outcome. We congratulate McCallum Bros Shipping on being awarded the contract. In partnership with the Ministry of Transport, we will now focus on ensuring continuity of shipping services until the new vessel is built and McCallum Bros is ready to commence operations.
We would like to acknowledge the dedication of CISL staff and governors, past and present, whose efforts have made our shipping service – an essential lifeline for the Chatham Islands – possible. Shipping between the Chathams and New Zealand is effectively part of our ‘State Highway One’ network, alongside our airport, and is critical to our community’s ongoing wellbeing.
As Chatham Islanders ourselves, we understand the importance of reliable shipping. We are reassured that the new service will operate within the existing CISL freight carriage rates, providing certainty for our community. We are also encouraged by McCallum Bros’ intention to employ local Chatham Islanders, helping to maintain jobs and stability during the transition over the coming two years.
CISL remains committed to supporting our community and the continuity of essential shipping services throughout this transition.
Doug Smith Acting CISL Chair
New Chatham Islands ship confirmed
Hon James Meager
Transport
The Government has confirmed the company that will procure a new Chatham Islands supply vessel, in a significant milestone which will see it operational in 2027.
The joint venture of McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers SA (MBL JV) will supply a new 78 metre ship, designed to service the bespoke needs of the Chatham Islands community, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
“Contract negotiations will ensure the Chathams have a secure, reliable, long-term service which maintains or exceeds current levels, and has capacity to grow alongside the Island,” Mr Meager says.
“This represents a major step in the progress of a replacement supply vessel, which is a vital economic and community lifeline for the Chatham Islands.
“At nearly 40 years old, the current Southern Tiare is older than I am and is nearing the end of its commercial life. Increasing unreliability and high maintenance costs have created significant hardship for a community which relies on it to import and export critical supplies.
“MBL JV’s practical, future-focused proposal meets locals needs, and ensures a reliable service which can be scaled-up to support future increased demand. It also gave us the greatest confidence a new ship can be delivered in-budget before the current vessel retires, without substantial upgrades required to existing infrastructure.”
Mr Meager made the announcement as part of a two-day trip to the Chatham Islands, where he is visiting local businesses and community groups.
“It is important for Ministers to connect with the community in-person and reaffirm our Government’s commitment to supporting Chatham Islanders,” Mr Meager says.
“Due to the unreliability of the Southern Tiare we’ve seen examples of petrol running out, diesel supplies nearly exhausted, and livestock unable to be moved resulting in widespread culls. This deeply impacts livelihoods and wellbeing and must be resolved.
“This new service will support the Chatham’s economy, particularly fishing, farming, and tourism, and ensure essential supplies continue to reach the community for at least the next two decades.”
