Lyttelton Port : New wharf is milestone in Port development

'Our new Cashin Quay 2 wharf is an example of how we are increasing our capacity, growing our container trade and planning to meet the challenge of the next 30 years,' said LPC Chairman Trevor Burt. 'The new wharf is a vital part of our plan to ensure Lyttelton is the international freight port for the South Island.'

'We are preparing for a huge forecasted increase in freight. We must be ready for the arrival of bigger vessels carrying more containers and we must have the right infrastructure to service them, as well as deeper berths and more space. The new larger, heavier vessels will also need a deeper, wider, navigation channel. We will increase it by two metres, enabling ships up to 14.4 metres draught to come here.

'The 34 hectare reclamation in Te Awaparahi Bay will give us the space we require to ensure we provide the services needed for the future. It is a key to meeting growing freight requirements.

'As we become able to move some of our operations east onto reclaimed land, the public will also benefit by having access to part of the inner harbor to enjoy. We are committed to working with the community to help protect the health of the harbor as we embark on what is one of the largest developments in the Port's history.

'Our aim is to continually improve our customer services. The new Cashin Qauy 2 wharf is an example. It doubles container vessel berthing capacity. It began operating recently and last month we achieved an all-time record for the average rate at which we move containers. We manage about 1,000 containers a week and our ship turn-around times are continually improving.

'Our long term plan reaches well beyond Lyttelton though. We are constructing a new inland port at Rolleston called 'MidlandPort'. It is at the very heart of the mid-Canterbury area which has significant, increasing freight needs. When MidlandPort opens in a few months it will provide a rail route between Rolleston and Lyttelton for containers. That will not only support mid-Canterbury's trade growth, it will also reduce truck travelling time and congestion on roads.

'Our Port is the gateway for South Island trade. We manage 56% of the South Island's total import/exports and our volume growth is forecast to increase at greater than GDP levels throughout the next 30 years, from over 37,000 TEU (20 foot containers) to about 1.2 million TEU a year by 2043.

'The opening of this new state of the art wharf demonstrates our commitment to our region's trade and growth. It is also one of the most significant major rebuild projects since the earthquakes. It is built to a high level of resilience and to the latest International Seismic Code.

'It is a vital part of our long term plan to build a port for the future that is the hub for Canterbury and South Island freight and supports New Zealand's economy and prosperity.'

-Ends-

For further information contact:

Allanah James
Strategic Communications Manager
Lyttelton Port of Christchurch
021 709 652