Southern Progress Decommissioning

The Southern Progress fishing trawler, long moored off Rangitoto Island in Islington Bay, faced an uncertain future after several years of a tumultuous history. To prevent the vessel from deteriorating further and posing an environmental risk, Auckland Transport and the Harbourmaster’s office took ownership and opted for its decommissioning. They collaborated with Nikau Contractors to develop a plan for the safe and environmentally responsible recovery and disposal of the trawler.

Methodology

Ensuring an environmentally safe decommissioning process was paramount to prevent pollutants from affecting the sensitive ecosystems of Auckland Harbour and Henderson Creek. We developed a comprehensive three-phase plan in partnership with Auckland Transport, which was subsequently approved.

Phase 1: Pre-Works

• The vessel was initially recovered by Auckland Transport and towed to a designated wharf.
• All onboard fluids, including oils and diesel, were siphoned and drained.
• Asbestos, classified as Class A and B, was removed in a controlled environment.

Phase 2: Retrieval & Deconstruction

• The vessel was transported to a slipway in West Auckland.
• Nikau Contractors used winching equipment to lift the vessel from the water.
• The vessel was then mechanically dismantled, and materials were recycled whenever possible.

Phase 3: Site Remediation and Restoration

• The site underwent scraping, and soils were removed and screened to eliminate any steel debris.
• Crushed concrete was delivered and spread across the site, followed by track rolling.
• The site was restored and returned to Auckland Transport, who signed off on the completion.

Recycling & Reuse

A total of 150 tonnes of metal was processed, graded, and recycled. Approximately 70 tonnes of waste derived from the vessel was directed to a waste recycling facility for sorting. Noteworthy recoverables, such as life rafts and other collectibles, were salvaged and donated to Auckland Transport and the maritime museum.