THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT has contracted an AHTS to provide an emergency ocean response capability while it works on a longer-term plan.

Last year, Cabinet directed the Ministry of Transport and Maritime New Zealand to develop a business case that considers options to improve NZ’s maritime emergency ocean response capability, with a focus on the Cook Strait.

Minister for Transport Chris  Bishop said the detailed business case recommended a “two-strike” solution, comprising a locally-based (in the Cook Strait area) “first-strike” capability dedicated to quickly reaching and stabilising a stricken vessel in the Cook Strait, and a regionally based (for example, Port Taranaki) “second-strike” capability that could tow any stricken vessel in New Zealand back to port.

“Solutions would be procured by Maritime NZ as a service by entering into retainer contracts with commercial providers. The Crown would not directly purchase or own a vessel,” Mr Bishop said.

“There have been 23 maritime incidents over the last five years where ready access to an emergency ocean response capability may have supported the response. However, it is worth noting that all these incidents were resolved with existing capabilities and vessels of opportunity, with most occurring outside the Cook Strait area. 

“There have been several notable incidents in the Cook Strait area, including the Kaitaki loss of power (January 2023), Shiling loss of power (April 2023), Aratere grounding (June 2024), and Connemara loss of power (September 2024). The Connemara incident is the only clear example that a Cook Strait based first-strike capability would have improved the response.”

Mr Bishop said the latest analysis also indicated the cost of a two-strike solution is significantly higher than initially thought.

“The Government has decided to continue to explore procuring an emergency ocean response capability, on a predominantly user-pays basis. We are interested in testing the willingness of users (public and industry) to pay a levy to fund a permanent response capability. I have instructed officials to provide me with advice on the most effective approach and expect to hear back in the middle of the year.

To provide assurance while a long-term solution is worked through, the Government has contracted the services MMA Offshore’s AHTS MMA Vision, which has been working in NZ waters in the offshore oil & gas sector for over three years, through to June 2026. It has also been involved in providing assistance during casualties, including the removal of the grounded barge Manahau from Carter Beach on 4 September 2024.

MMA Vision will be based between the Cook Strait area and Taranaki.