Southbase joins NSX Consortium

Clifford Bay Port Limited today announced that Southbase Construction has joined the North South Express (NSX) consortium to advance the development of a privately funded, multi-modal logistics gateway at Clifford Bay.

Southbase’s inclusion strengthens the consortium’s delivery capability, particularly across critical onshore infrastructure. This includes warehousing, terminal facilities, and operational support assets such as workshops and maintenance buildings—key components required to transition Clifford Bay from a greenfield site into a functioning logistics hub.

“Clifford Bay has the potential to redefine the connection between the North and South Islands by materially improving the speed and efficiency of freight and passenger movement,” said Stephen Grice, Managing Director of Clifford Bay Port Limited.

“We are pleased to welcome Southbase to the consortium. Their track record in large-scale vertical construction and complex project delivery will be essential in building infrastructure that existing ports cannot replicate.”

Southbase CEO Quin Henderson said the company’s involvement reflects its focus on long-term, nationally significant projects.

“This development represents a multi-decade investment in New Zealand’s transport and logistics infrastructure. It will support regional employment, improve network efficiency, and strengthen connectivity across the country.”

Development Scope

The NSX project is structured as a long-term infrastructure programme, including:

• NSX Hub: A modern, digitally enabled port designed to improve freight throughput and operational efficiency between the islands.

• Renewable Energy Zone: Dedicated solar and wind generation to support port operations and reduce emissions, with provision for future hydrogen production and distribution.

• Logistics and Support Infrastructure: Staged development of distribution centres, warehousing, and cold-chain facilities to establish a nationally significant freight node.

• Passenger Facilities: Infrastructure to support efficient passenger transfer, including vehicle services and hospitality offerings.

System-Wide Efficiency Gains

Clifford Bay is positioned as a structural upgrade to New Zealand’s inter-island supply chain, primarily through reduced travel distance and avoidance of the Marlborough Sounds transit constraints.

Key projected benefits include:

• Reduced Crossing Time: Approximately 3.5 hours to 2 hours.

• Improved Vessel Efficiency: Fuel savings of over 40% per crossing.

• Shorter Road Distance: Approximately 50 minutes closer to Christchurch.

• Freight Fuel Savings: Estimated 37.5 litres of diesel saved per one-way truck movement (approx. 19,500 litres annually per vehicle based on typical usage).

• End-to-End Time Savings: Up to 150 minutes reduction in total journey time.

Regional and National Impact

The project is expected to deliver broader economic benefits by improving freight efficiency and enabling land use change in Picton, where existing port activity constrains waterfront development.

“Southbase joins the consortium at a critical stage,” Grice said. “With new inter-island ferries scheduled for introduction later this decade, the opportunity is to align infrastructure with future demand—delivering a system that is faster, more efficient, and economically sustainable.”