Napier, 27 February 2016 -New wharf and phased dredging programme.  Napier Port plans to seek resource consent for its phased dredging programme and the subsequent disposal of dredge material to build one new berth within its existing operational footprint at the northern end of the container terminal. This will be long enough (350 metres) and deep enough to handle larger vessels and will require the dredging of a berth pocket and swing basin. This may require the Port to deepen and extend the shipping channel in stages from its current consented maximum of 12.8 metres to 14.5 metres. Planning must start now so the Port is ready to start work as soon as the need arises.

Benefits and impacts of the projectWe believe the project will have positive economic benefits for the region. The project itself will create more work for the region. Most importantly, it will also ensure the Port can continue to attract international container shipping lines and service large cruise ships. If the Port cannot service these ships they will go elsewhere. This is likely to result in increased costs in the supply chain for our local exporters and importers and will make it more challenging for businesses in Hawke’s Bay.

In addition, based on what we know now the development work should be able to be undertaken without any long-term environmental impacts. As part of our consultation process, we are talking with iwi, exporters and importers, recreation groups and other stakeholder to understand their activities and consider any mitigation before we submit our resource consent application. We are also investigating possible environmental effects through a series of independent, specialist technical assesments and reports. Both will help to shape the consent application.

Source: NapierPortProjects

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