DCN October Edition 2019

The idea was to shift port operations eastwards, further
away from the city while creating a new container terminal on
reclaimed land.
“So there would be less effects on the town and more
recreational space,” he says.
Mr Pettersson says the container terminal was the most
significant aspect of the project.
However there was a challenge with legislation, as the existing
regulations “did not in any way legislate a total rebuild of the port”,
with the relevant minister ultimately having to deem it necessary
in order to expedite port recovery.
Mr Pettersson says getting the community behind the project
had its challenges but ultimately worked out for the best.
“As the community had to be involved in the recovery, which
was challenging but ultimately was really important,” he says.
The port is reported to have developed a much stronger
relationship with its community, a key stakeholder.
“After an earthquake is a good time to work with your
stakeholders,” Mr Pettersson says.
There was another challenge also.
“Going from a port operator that didn’t do a whole lot of
infrastructure development to a port developer with the biggest
infrastructure project in the South Island for a private company is
really challenging,” he says.
FINAL GOOD NEWS
Lyttelton Port Company strategic engagement manager Phil
de Joux tells DCN the rebuild of Lyttelton Port (post 2011
earthquake) is ongoing.
“This is because post-earthquake the decision was made to
not only repair, but reconfigure the port, resulting in a modern,
efficient port designed for future freight growth and shipping
trends,” he says.
“The rebuild and strengthening of Cashin Quay (our container
terminal and wharf) is complete. The benefit of our postearthquake
facilities is that they have been built with seismic
resilience and are consistent with modern environmental
standards.
“We have also undertaken a major dredging and channel
deepening project, meaning Lyttelton Port can now cater for larger
container vessels.”
Mr de Joux says work was ongoing to reclaim land at Te
Awaparahi Bay.
“Ten hectares of land has been reclaimed and we are currently
in the process of reclaiming a further six hectares, with plans to
extend our existing container terminal,” he says.
“We are also building New Zealand’s first purpose-built cruise
ship facility, set to be complete by November 2020, in time for the
2020/2021 cruise ship season.”
Mr de Joux says the port is also undertaking strengthening and
repair work on LPC’s oil berth, which was badly damaged during
the earthquakes.
“This work will extend the longevity of this vital resource for
Canterbury. Contractors have worked hard to ensure the berth
remains operational while the project is underway,” he says.
“The project is expected to be complete mid-2020.”
It is interesting to note that there has been more than a 50%
increase in TEU volume moving through Lyttelton Port since 2010.
TEU volume in 2010 was 273,789, compared with 437,413 this year,
according to LPC.
FROM EARTHQUAKES TO CYCLONES
Leaving New Zealand and heading to the tropics of Queensland,
port operators are faced with a different set of challenges. North
Queensland Bulk Ports manages the ports of Mackay, Hay Point,
Abbot Point (near Bowen) and Weipa. Being in Australia’s tropics,
it manages some of the most cyclone-prone waterfront in the
country.
The famous cyclone of 1918 destroyed much of Mackay
either through strong winds or storm surge. The category-4
Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017 didn’t cause that level of
destruction but it did force the closure of the ports of Mackay,
Abbot Point and Hay Point.
NQBP principal asset manager John Hinschen told the PIANC
conference about the impact of cyclones upon breakwaters, which
extend about a kilometre into the ocean. He says there are typically
four to five cyclones a year that cross the Queensland coast, with
climate change predictions suggested they will become less frequent
but more severe.
“Less than two weeks after (my) starting at with the Mackay
Port Authority, Cyclone Dylan hit (January 2014) just to the north.
“There is a strong relationship with the east coast cyclones and
the El Nino and the Southern Oscillation phenomenon.
“Tropical cyclones are predicted to become less frequent but
more intense and cyclones are expected to track further south,
resulting in more damage,” he says.
Mr Hinschen also notes predictions of rising sea levels, with
forecasts of about half a metre by 2100.
Who helps those who are key to our industry?
Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved
ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face.
Around the world, The Mission to Seafarers provides help
and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face
danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
Your financial support would be much appreciated.
Donate now: BSB 062 074 Account 1000 8062 (Tax-deductible)
www.missiontoseafarers.org.au
THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS, Sydney
24 Hickson Rd, Millers Point NSW 2000
Tel +61 (0)2 92413009
enquiries@missiontoseafarers.org.au
thedcn.com.au October 2019 35