The Maritime Union of New Zealand says Government plans to prematurely end the contract for the country’s sole dedicated ocean-going emergency tow vessel, the MMA Vision, risks lives, the maritime environment, and national energy security.
Maritime Union National Secretary Carl Findlay says comments made by Transport Minister Chris Bishop about the future of the MMA Vision are concerning.
Minister Bishop has suggested that new Cook Strait ferries – which are not due until 2029 – might remove the need for a permanent emergency towing capability.
Mr Findlay says the Union understands that Government funding for the MMA Vision has been removed, with the contract now set to end on 4 February 2026. This is months ahead of the publicly stated end date of June 2026.
He says the Government needs to make it clear what its plans are.
“The removal of the MMA Vision will leave a gaping hole in New Zealand’s maritime safety net.”
The emergency response contract was awarded to the MMA Vision due to concerns over the existing ageing Cook Strait ferry fleet and the extended wait time for replacements.
“The current Cook Strait ferries must continue operating for several more years, and their vulnerability has been shown by a number of recent issues.”
Mr Findlay says the other Cook Strait ferry operator, Strait Shipping, has ageing vessels which could experience similar issues to the Interislander fleet.
The MMA Vision is a robust Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel with a 105-tonne bollard pull that far exceeds the capability of harbour tugs for open-ocean rescues.
Mr Findlay says the vessel has proven its worth in recent months.
In September 2025, the MMA Vision successfully towed the stricken oil and chemical tanker Golden Mind to Timaru after the tanker lost steering west of Stewart Island (Rakiura).
It also assisted in the Manahau grounding, pulling the barge off a Westport beach and towing it to Tasman Bay.
“If the MMA Vision had not been available, then perhaps the Government can say what would have happened in those cases.”
Mr Findlay says the vessel is also crucial for retaining high-skilled maritime jobs needed for New Zealand’s maritime future.
“The MMA Vision crew are highly skilled MUNZ members experienced in rugged New Zealand waters. The skills used in the offshore oil and gas industry are directly transferable to emerging industries like offshore wind. Maintaining our skilled maritime workforce ensures New Zealand has the necessary expertise to move forward.”
MUNZ is demanding the Government maintain funding, confirm the MMA Vision will remain contracted, and commit to a long-term, permanent Emergency Towing Vessel solution.
