Port Marlborough delivers with sustainable investments
Port Marlborough has reported a resilient performance for the 2025 financial year, with revenue of $46 million and a projected dividend of $4.2 million to its shareholder Marlborough District Council Holdings.
The dividend from Port Marlborough helps to offset rates and is used to service loans taken out for infrastructure investments.
The result demonstrates disciplined delivery against strategy, major investment in sustainable infrastructure and partnerships that support Marlborough’s economy, people and environment, Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said.
“Our strategy keeps us focused on long-term value. As the Annual Report shows, through 2025 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’s sustainability journey continues with positive momentum reported on emissions reduction, environmental restoration, and transparent reporting. All three marinas at Picton, Havelock and Waikawa retained International Clean Marina certification, while environmental restoration continued at Shakespeare Bay with more than 10,000 native plantings.
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.
In Picton, Port Marlborough continued to work alongside Ferry Holdings Ltd, KiwiRail and government agencies on the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct redevelopment.
The award-winning Shakespeare Bay log yard upgrade was completed with a $7.8 million investment in the final stage of the roller-compacted concrete (RCC) project.
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.
Port Marlborough is continuing to modernise its marine fleet to improve efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
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,” Mr Welbourne said. “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.”
