Port way ahead of schedule

9th November 2009

The Port of Napier's new $47 million platform and berth reclamation project has finished four months ahead of schedule.

It will be opened this Friday, followed by celebratory fishing.

The berth will be opened by Minster of Transport Steven Joyce, with a family fun fishing day to celebrate the development on Saturday.

The development is the largest project undertaken at the port during the past three decades.

It transforms what was the old Herrick "finger" wharf into a wide extended berth. The large area will allow container cranes and heavy-lift forklifts to operate as well as service two container ships at the same time.

As well as the more traditional bulk and container cargo business, the platform berth will also accommodate cruise ships.

Port of Napier chief executive Garth Cowie said the new berth "future proofs" the port and would be a major boost for the local economy.

"The additional heavy duty multi-purpose berth gives the port many new trade and growth prospects. It is designed to cater for a wide range of vessels and cargo," Mr Cowie said.

The 270m-long berth is bolstered by a 1.4ha reclamation of support land which has ground storage capacity of about 800 containers, or alternatively, about 15,000 tonnes of logs.

The project was approved by the company shareholders in December 2007, with Mr Cowie describing the project as an investment which was a positive commitment to the future prospects of importers and exporters of the region.

"Growing our business necessitates berth availability, especially those capable of handling a range of vessels, internationally and coastally," he said.

"Shipping lines require cost effective and efficient port service operations meeting biosecurity, customs and information technology requirements."

The port has been working closely with its neighbours and Seascape to ensure its impact and effect is minimised, and is in the process of forming a noise management committee in accordance with the earlier agreed noise variation to the Napier City district plan.

The port has also recently completed a $200,000 beautification of the Battery Road beach which included the planting of pohutukawa and Norfolk pines.

Saturday's celebratory fishing competition is expected to attract big numbers, with the major prize a $1000 Guns & Tackle/Coleman voucher for outdoor equipment.

Entry fees for the competition will go to the Hawke's Bay Child Cancer Foundation.