The sea trials of the new trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) 1000 Kapuka, built at Damen partner yard 189 Shipyard in Vietnam for Port Otago and Napier Port, are underway.
"The trials tested her at full speed with a full load (just under 10 knots), through a six-hour endurance test that included vibration and noise analysis, and, of course, dredging. She loaded a full hopper of thick clay with ease," Port Otago said in its latest update.
The Napier/Otago ports’ oversight team will return to the yard in mid November for the final acceptance visit. In early December, the dredger will go in for a hull clean and finishing touches to her underwater systems, so she arrives in pristine condition.
Kapuka’s arrival in Port Chalmers is now expected in February 2027. "This gives Damen a buffer to finish the final elements to the same high standard they have maintained throughout the build," Port Otago added.
The new dredger will be jointly operated by Napier Port on New Zealand's North Island and Port Otago on the South Island.