Port Taranaki has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the region has been selected as the primary location for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
On Monday, the Government moved forward with procurement plans, signalling that commercial contracting for the facility is now underway.
While the exact location and scale of the project are still being finalised, all potential options on the shortlist are located within Taranaki.
The team at the Port say they are prepared to step up. Chief executive Simon Craddock says the facility will provide a significant confidence boost for a region that has faced several years of uncertainty in the oil and gas sector.
Mr Craddock noted that the Port has supported the energy industry for decades. He says they are ready to use their existing wharves, marine services, and technical knowledge to support LNG imports.
The project is being framed as a vital step for New Zealand's energy security. As local gas reserves continue to decline, importing LNG is seen as a way to keep power flowing to homes and businesses while keeping prices affordable.
The project aims to utilise the world-class engineering and fabrication skills already present in New Plymouth and across the region. This could mean more stable work for the local firms that have traditionally served the offshore industry.
The Port is also looking toward a greener future. Mr Craddock says the goal is to develop a multiuse facility that eventually supports renewable projects, such as green hydrogen and the potential offshore wind industry.
Port Taranaki Board chair Jeff Kendrew says this endorsement will help future-proof the Port as a strategic asset. He noted that while the nature of energy trade is changing, the Port remains at the centre of the country’s energy hub.
Safety remains a top priority for any upcoming developments. The Port has worked closely with the Government throughout the process and says they will continue to collaborate to ensure the region is ready to deliver.
