The Government will spend $3 million upgrading the coastal bulk ship Rangitata to improve disaster logistics, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.

The funding, from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, will buy and install a deck‑mounted material handler so the vessel can load and unload bulk cargo without relying on port cranes or shore power. The equipment is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

Meager said the Rangitata proved its value after Cyclone Gabrielle, moving containers between Gisborne and Napier when key roads were out. “When land routes fail, coastal shipping becomes critical for making sure fuel, building materials and other vital supplies can still get to those in need,” he said.

Being ship‑powered, the handler can be used wherever the vessel can berth, including at smaller ports or where shore infrastructure is damaged. The upgrade is intended to let the Rangitata carry a wider range of bulk items and deliver directly to communities that may be cut off for extended periods.

The announcement reflects a push to harden supply chains against natural hazards by making more use of coastal shipping when road and rail are disrupted.

The release did not include details on the procurement process, the vessel’s operator, any co‑funding from the owner, or the expected increase in throughput once the handler is installed.