New Zealand port opens new wharf, constructs new inland port

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, situated in eastern New Zealand, officially opened its new Cashin Quay 2 wharf last week, effectively doubling container vessel berthing capacity.    The Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC), situated in eastern New Zealand, officially opened its new $85 million Cashin Quay 2 wharf last week, which doubled container vessel berthing capacity.
   The port is preparing for the projected increase in freight, LPC Chairman Trevor Burt said.
   “Our port is the gateway for South Island trade,” said Burt. “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 37,000 TEU (20-foot containers) to about 1.2 million TEU a year by 2043.”
   In addition, LPC will expand its navigation channel, in order to accommodate ships up to 14.4 meters draught.
   LPC is also in the process of constructing a new inland port at Rolleston, New Zealand, a town 18 miles west of LPC. The inland port will be named MidlandPort and is expected to open in a few months.
   A rail route for containers will be provided between Rolleston and Lyttelton. MidlandPort will be a hub for receiving, storing and consolidating containers and a distribution point for these containers.
   “MidlandPort’s rail connection with the port will improve container freight efficiency, and decrease travel time and freight costs for customers,” LPC said. “It will also reduce road congestion by removing a significant number of trucks on the port route.”