Channel Infrastructure to build new bitumen import terminal for Higgins at Marsden Point

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Channel Infrastructure and Higgins Contractors today announce a new bitumen import terminal will be established at Marsden Point in Northland.

This will enable Higgins, which is part of the Fletcher Building Group, to import bitumen direct to Northland. For Channel Infrastructure, this project represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, the third major storage project announced this year, and a diversification of its customer base and expansion to its product handling set.
Fletcher Construction Chief Executive Phil Boylen commented:
“This long-term bitumen terminal partnership with Channel Infrastructure supports our business strategy to provide critical infrastructure services and products to the New Zealand market and supplements our existing bitumen import terminal at Port of Napier. Fletcher construction is well placed to support the Government’s Land Transport investment agenda including the State highway network and local road maintenance through our integrated delivery platform of bitumen, asphalt manufacture and construction services.”

Commenting, Channel Infrastructure CEO Rob Buchanan said:
“The new bitumen import terminal represents Channel’s third growth project announced this year, and the first new customer to join us at Channel. This is a demonstration of our vision to maximise the value for New Zealand from our highly-strategic assets and site, and a way for us to contribute to Northland’s continued growth and development. It is pleasing to see our vision for the Marsden Point Energy Precinct start to take shape. This announcement is testament to the way we are making significant progress with the nearer-term opportunities to infill our existing site and repurpose and further utilise our existing infrastructure.”
Higgins started importing bitumen in 2023 through the business’ existing bitumen import terminal at the Port of Napier. The Marsden Point facility will enhance bitumen supply for Higgins projects and allows the business to supply the wider construction industry in the upper North Island.
Channel Infrastructure recently announced its long-term vision for Marsden Point, through the release of the company’s Energy Precinct Concept plan. The Concept plan highlights the significant role for Marsden Point in supporting a range of possible energy and economic growth projects.
Commenting, Rob Buchanan said:
“This is hugely exciting to see the Marsden Point Energy Precinct begin to take shape with growth opportunities coming to fruition already. We see so much potential for our business to support New Zealand’s growth, the energy transition and resilience, and we welcome Higgins, one of New Zealand’s leading roading, civil and road construction companies, as a new customer of Channel Infrastructure.”