Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) and its logistics division, West Coast Bulk Logistics (WCBL), welcome today’s Government announcement confirming funding to upgrade critical port infrastructure in Greymouth and Westport.
The investment, delivered through the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, will support navigational improvements, wharf repairs, resilience upgrades, and long-term safety planning across the West Coast’s two key ports.
WMS Managing Director Ray Mudgway says the funding recognises the essential role coastal shipping plays in the region’s economy, future development, and disaster preparedness.
“This is a significant and very welcome investment for the West Coast. Reliable port access underpins regional growth, supports local industries, and keeps communities connected. Coastal shipping is not a nice-to-have – it is an economic and resilience lifeline,” says Mudgway.
“Our strategy is about establishing a vertically integrated business that gives us control over our costs and security across our supply chain. In practical terms that means strong mining and plant performance, and operational ports that allow us to export directly from the West Coast to the world.
“Greymouth Port will be critical in supporting future production and export activity from our next major development area at Mananui, south of Hokitika. These connections are fundamental to unlocking new investment into the sector and into New Zealand.”
“The Government’s investment will mean businesses across the West Coast from forestry and dairy to construction benefit from better access to markets and more efficient, lower-emission transport options. In a major earthquake or severe weather event, coastal shipping becomes our lifeline, and strengthening Greymouth and Westport ports is essential to keeping supplies moving and supporting emergency response and recovery,” says Mudgway.
WMS and WCBL say they remain committed to restoring and utilising West Coast ports, enabling the movement of bulk commodities domestically and internationally, and supporting sustainable long-term regional development. “Our focus has always been on building a resilient, future-proofed coastal logistics network that benefits the entire region. Today’s announcement strengthens that foundation and supports a more prosperous future for the West Coast,” says Mudgway.
