Auckland Refit Facility Updated
As the 40m superyacht Janice of Wyoming recently moved down the slipway following service, paint work and maintenance it heralded the final stage of completing the 600 t slipway upgrade at Orams Marine Services, Auckland. Managing director Craig Park says the rebuilt slipway will enable the yard to more efficiently haul out the larger superyachts that have been built over recent years.
“The upgrade will increase the tonnes per metre ratio.” Park explains “With improved design and technology superyachts are being built longer and heavier, although the foot of the keel hasn’t increased in size, normally being around seven metres. On the slipway the keel takes 100% of the vessel weight and our new facility will more evenly spread the load.” He added although the yard was busy over the winter period it was the best time for the work to be completed and bookings are steady with projections indicating a busy period ahead further enhanced with owners heading to New Zealand for the September 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Following the launch of Janice of Wyoming the 53m sloop Erica XII was moved up the slipway for service and maintenance. Park also advised that running parallel with the slipway project is completion of a 90m work berth which will further broaden the range of vessels that can be handled in the Yard. The first superyacht to use this facility will be one of the world’s largest sailing yachts the 88 m Athena arriving in January for a six month period undergoing extensive service and maintenance including a complete repaint of topsides, superstructure and spars. He added, “With Auckland rapidly gaining a reputation as the superyacht hub for the South Pacific the demand for additional Service and Refit infrastructure will steadily increase and it is for this reason that the industry is preparing to meet the market.”