Chief executive Rhys Welbourn says the company’s vision to be an environmentally restorative port that drives success for Marlborough continues to guide decisions and outcomes.

“Our strategy keeps us focused on long-term value. As the Annual Report shows, through FY25 we continued to keep sustainability at the heart of our decision-making as we advanced major projects, delivered sound returns for our shareholder, and maintained our role as a trusted partner to the communities and the industries we serve.”

Port Marlborough continued its commitment to transparency, aligning the report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

This approach was recognised at the 2024 Australasian Reporting Awards, where the company received awards for communication and sustainability reporting. The FY25 Annual Report builds on this with updated materiality processes and sustainability disclosures across the port’s strategic pillars of People, Planet, Prosperity, and Partnerships.

Sustainable growth and major projects

Port Marlborough’s sustainability journey continues with positive momentum reported on emissions reduction, environmental restoration, and transparent reporting. This year the first Emissions Reduction Plan and Community Partnerships Report were published. All three marinas at Picton, Havelock and Waikawa retained International Clean Marina certification, while environmental restoration continued at Shakespeare Bay with over 10,000 native plantings.

Significant infrastructure projects were progressed during the year.

The Havelock Marina Redevelopment was announced during the year with $9.9 million in Government funding secured through the Regional Infrastructure Fund and consent processes now underway. The project will reinstate the Havelock Channel and renew marina infrastructure to maintain access for Sounds residents, support the aquaculture industry and improve resilience, ensuring Havelock remains a vital hub for Marlborough’s aquaculture, commercial and recreational boating.

Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment
In Picton, Port Marlborough continued to work alongside Ferry Holdings Ltd, KiwiRail and government agencies on the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct redevelopment. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the project through Ferry Holdings, with a clear mandate to deliver resilient State Highway One connections through Picton. Significant progress has been made, with the scope of core infrastructure agreed and delivery pathways well advanced. For Port Marlborough, this represents one of the most important infrastructure investments in a generation, ensuring long-term resilience and efficiency for New Zealand’s supply chain.

Shakespeare Bay Logyard upgrade
The award-winning Shakespeare Bay logyard upgrade was completed with a $7.8 million investment in the final stage of the roller compacted concrete (RCC) project. As New Zealand’s first large-scale application of RCC in a port environment, it has improved efficiency and environmental outcomes, reduced embodied carbon by up to 50 per cent, eliminated construction waste, and set a new benchmark for low-emissions, high-performance port infrastructure.

Westshore Warehouse
Port Marlborough has entered into a long-term agreement with New Zealand King Salmon to construct a 3,200sqm purpose-built warehouse at Westshore for salmon feed storage. The facility will streamline logistics by locating feed closer to sea farms and is expected to reduce emissions from road transport by more than 90 per cent. From 2026, BioMar Australia will deliver feed direct to Picton on its new 3,000-tonne capacity vessel, creating further environmental and operational gains and opening a new direct shipping link between Marlborough and Australia. The project supports sustainable industry growth while keeping environmental stewardship at the forefront.

Marine Fleet Investment
Port Marlborough is continuing to modernise its marine fleet to improve efficiency, safety and environmental performance. Contracts were signed commissioning a new Damen tug with 75-tonne bollard pull. The new ship Kaiaua will be a sister ship to the Kaiana, the 50-tonne Damen vessel introduced in 2023. The tug is MARPOL Tier III compliant and goes beyond regulatory requirements, supporting the port’s emissions reduction plan, providing resilience for shipping operations and ensuring a safe harbour environment. Delivery is scheduled for FY26.

Performance Highlights FY25

• $46m revenue, with a projected $4.2m dividend
• 3,098 vessel visits over 500GRT
• 809,699 JAS logs exported
• Publication of Emissions Reduction Plan
• 10,000 Native seedlings planted in Shakespeare Bay restoration project
• Publication of Community Partnerships Report
• 40 cruise ships berthed in Picton, supporting Marlborough’s visitor economy
• 2,060 marina facilities supporting recreational and commercial boating
• 102 staff employed across port, marina and marine services operations

Looking ahead

Rhys Welbourn says that while global uncertainty and sector-specific challenges continue to impact the port, Port Marlborough’s diverse portfolio and long-term investments provide a foundation for resilience.

“We recognise that some of our trades are experiencing headwinds, and that conditions remain difficult for parts of our industry. Our focus is on managing these realities with our people, customers and partners, while continuing to invest in the infrastructure and capability Marlborough will need in the years ahead.

Major projects such as the Westshore warehouse, the Waitohi Picton Ferry Redevelopment, the Havelock redevelopment and the commissioning of a new tug are important steps in building that resilience.”

He acknowledges the role of collaboration in navigating these conditions.

“The progress we make is only possible through the dedication of our team, the trust of our customers, and the support of our communities. We thank them all for their continued commitment to working with us as we deliver for Marlborough. E ki ana te whakataukī: ‘Ka mahi tahi tatou, mō te oranga o te katoa’ – together we work for the wellbeing of all.”