Port of Christchurch Achieves Important Milestone

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch’s new $85 million Cashin Quay 2 wharf was officially opened today by the Deputy Prime Minister, Bill English.

“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.”

An important part of the construction project has been driving more than 255 piles into the seabed and tying them to the wharf with steel anchor rods.

This anchor system gives a high level of seismic resilience, providing a stronger structure than the previous wharf.

“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 meters, enabling ships up to 14.4 meters draught to come here,” Burt added.

The city needed LPC’s infrastructure and freight-carrying capacity for bulk production from industries like irrigated farming, but also manufacturing.

“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,” concluded Burt.

The wharf was completed last December, but LPC started progressively using it as construction allowed.

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