The Ministry of Transport is looking to procure ongoing shipping services to the Chatham Islands capable of shipping a range of cargo including general (dry and refrigerated) goods, fuel, livestock, and other consumables.

The procurement’s proposed outcomes are a long-term agreement with a supplier to provide the service, this may require capital investment in upgrading port infrastructure on both the Chathams and the mainland.

The islands are currently served by the 39-year-old Southern Tiare, the vessel is reaching the end of its service life, and the Crown has committed to supporting the Chatham Islands’ community to identify a suitable replacement service.