A new $85 million wharf was officially opened today at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch.
Cashin Quay 2 wharf is a milestone in the port's development and is a vital in making sure Lyttelton is the international freight port for the South Island, Lyttelton Port of Christchurch chairman Trevor Burt said.
"Our port is the gateway for South Island trade. We manage 56 percent 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 370,000 TEU (20 foot containers) to about 1.2 million TEU a year by 2043," he says.
The new wharf began operating recently and last month achieved an all-time record for the average rate at which containers are moved. The port manages around 1000 containers a day and in the last year, the port serviced 406 container ships from 94 international ports in 39 countries.
Cashin Quay 2 wharf (Supplied)
The redevelopment of the Lyttelton Port in Canterbury will play a significant role in the future economic growth and prosperity of the South Island by boosting jobs and trade, Minister Bill English and Minister Gerry Brownlee say.
Both Ministers were in Lyttelton today to open the wharf, the same day trade ministers from around the world signed the TPP in Auckland.
"The TPPA opens New Zealand up to 800 million potential customers and covers 36 per cent of global GDP. The expansion of the Lyttelton Port means the business is well placed to take advantage of this trade deal," Mr English says.
"Imports and exports coming though Lyttelton Port account for 56 per cent of the total volume coming into the South Island, helping cement the Canterbury region as a key driver of New Zealand’s economic prosperity."
A forecasted increase in freight means the port must be equipped for the arrival of bigger vessels carrying more containers. The right infrastructure to service them, as well as deeper berths and more space is needed, Mr Burt said.
The plan was to increase the channel by two metres, meaning ships up to 14.4 metres draught can come to the port. Thirty-four hectares have been reclaimed in Te Awaparahi Bay, which gives the space required for these services.
"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 harbour to enjoy," Mr Burt said.
A sea of hi-vis vests at the official opening of the wharf (Thomas Mead)
A new inland port is also being developed at Rolleston, named MidlandPort.
"It is at the very heart of the mid-Canterbury area which has significant, increasing freight needs," Mr Burt says.
"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."
The port is a significant part of the rebuild after the Christchurch earthquakes. It is built to a high level of resilience and to the latest International Seismic Code.
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