The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has contracted Auckland-based yacht builders McMullen & Wing to design and build their new multi-role vessel.

Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Peter Buell says the new barge style boat will enable rapid deployment of specialist oil recovery and containment equipment such as a skimmer.

'It will massively increase our ability to respond to marine oil spills in Tauranga Harbour and beyond.

'The sizeable platform, and built in crane, will also enable us to perform our own basic maintenance on navigation aids and recover any debris in the water.”

Peter says McMullen & Wing were chosen by the regional council following a lengthy tender process, which attracted interest from overseas.

With the contract now signed and sealed, the new boat should be ready by mid-2017 and $600,000 has already been set aside for the vessel in the Long-term Plan.

'In the end we went for a company that were competitive, experienced and have the technical skills required. Having built a similar style vessel for Auckland Council, these guys really know what they are doing.”

Regional Councils Maritime team help to keep Bay of Plenty waterways free of navigational hazards and safe for everyone to enjoy.