Marsden Point jet fuel tank project to boost storage ahead of schedule

A $30 million project enabling more jet fuel to be stored at Northland’s Marsden Point is progressing ahead of schedule.

The tank restoration is a collaboration between Channel Infrastructure and customer Z Energy, with the aim of increasing resilience for New Zealand’s aviation.

When complete, the restored tank will more than double Z’s private storage at the former refinery, providing enough fuel for around 10,000 flights between Auckland and Wellington.

The jet fuel is sent straight to Auckland Airport at Wiri through the Marsden Point to Auckland Pipeline.

This week, the 30-million-litre tank had its new roof lifted in place, effectively weather-tightening the tank to make it ready to be brought into service.

The geodesic roof – a complex, self-bracing structure – was constructed like a jigsaw inside the tank and, on Monday, was lifted into place on the inside of the tank, Channel Infrastructure said in a statement.

This project is progressing ahead of schedule and is now on track to be completed in the latter half of this year, rather than early 2027 as initially expected.

Once completed, the restored tank will become the equal largest jet fuel tank in New Zealand, providing an important boost to the country’s jet fuel supply chain.

Fuel security was one concern with the closing of Marsden Point as New Zealand’s only fuel refinery. The $7.3 billion cost stopped talks of reopening the refinery.

When the jet fuel tank was announced in August 2024, Channel Infrastructure chief executive Rob Buchanan said his company was the gateway for fuel that keeps Auckland International Airport moving.

“As New Zealand’s largest fuels import terminal, with a commitment to being a world-class energy infrastructure company, we are delighted to have the opportunity to support a key customer in further enhancing their supply chain.”

While jet fuel supply tanked during Covid-restricted years, Channel Infrastructure recently announced the last quarter of 2025 was its highest jet fuel throughput since the start of 2019.

Meanwhile, Channel Infrastructure is investing a further $30m over 2026 and 2027 for infrastructure upgrades, including relocating its control room to enable its biorefinery project, and building a new combined administration building.

The infrastructure upgrades support the Marsden Point site becoming an Energy Precinct, chair James Miller said.

“With the board gaining increasing confidence in the significant opportunity ahead of us to deliver on the Marsden Point Energy Precinct at our unique site, it is necessary to invest in site infrastructure upgrades to optimise the site for this opportunity.”

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.