The Government has welcomed news that work to recommission an additional 93 million litres of diesel storage capacity at Marsden Point in Northland has been completed.
It says Channel Infrastructure NZ has worked at pace to recommission the tanks in time to receive the diesel reserve purchased by the Government.
“A significant amount of work by a large number of people has gone into getting these tanks ready in a short timeframe so they can store the diesel when it arrives in New Zealand,” said Finance Minister, Nicola Willis.
“Last week we announced the first of two shipments of diesel which will provide our reserve was bound for New Zealand. That is expected to arrive at Marsden Point in less than a fortnight.
“Knowing these tanks are ready to take this shipment, and the next, is great news.”
The second shipment of reserve diesel is expected to arrive in July. Together the shipments represent about nine days’ average diesel consumption for New Zealand.
“While we hope we never have to use this reserve, the Government has acted prudently and decisively to ensure that should there be an unforeseen issue with our fuel supply, particularly diesel, New Zealand has enough to keep the economy running in the short-term,” said Associate Energy Minister, Shane Jones (pictured above at Marsden Point).
The refurbishment of the tanks was paid for by up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
“As long as the Middle East conflict continues, and for some time after, fuel supply and prices will be impacted. The Government is working to ensure the situation remains as stable as possible here,” Mr Jones says.
