The Port Otago has just released its latest e-Bulletin, updating on the progress made across the port and the Next Generation capital works program.
According to the port, a 25-year maintenance dredging and disposal consent has been received by the Environment Court.
Geoff Plunket, Port Otago current Chief Executive said that the latest dredging consent, granted by the Environment Court earlier this month, puts in place all the necessary consents required for maintenance and development dredging for the next 20-25 years.
Port Otago also recently secured a 20-year consent to deepen the channel to 15m, an integral part of the company’s Next Generation program.
“ The latest consent finalizes a process which commenced in 2009 with the application to deepen the shipping channel to Port Chalmers and serves to again underline the importance of positive community engagement and a willingness to adopt an environmentally responsible approach to dredging and disposal activities, ” said Geoff Plunket.
The port also reported that the channel deepening project is on track to reach 14m (chart datum) by December 2017. The next stage is to move out to final width (max 250m) and then a staged dredge from 16 to 18m at the outer entrance to Otago Harbor.
In the E-Bulletin, the port added that a $21 million extension of the Multi-Purpose wharf, which will add 140m to the existing multipurpose structure, has been approved by the Board of Port Otago (POL). Marine specialist HEB Construction won the contract and will be on site from September 2017.
Due for completion by end 2018, the extension will cater for new generation container vessels.
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