NAPIER Port has announced the signing of a contract with HEB Construction to build a multi-purpose 350 metre wharf, helping the port handle more and larger ships.
HEB is set to start building the wharf – known as 6 Wharf – during the first quarter of 2020 (calendar year) and is to be on-port this month to establish the construction site, and order and deliver materials.
Heron Construction & Dredging is the key subcontractor doing the essential dredging works, scheduled to begin around the end of the first quarter of 2020.
Napier Port chief executive, Todd Dawson said dredging should be complete and the new wharf ready to receive its first ship in late 2022 assuming no severe weather events.
“Planning for this project started over four years ago so it’s a huge milestone to get to this point. 6 Wharf is a critical piece of infrastructure that will help support growth for our customers and Hawke’s Bay’s economy for many years to come,” Mr Dawson said.
As well as allowing the port to handle more and larger ships, 6 Wharf is expected to help increase the port’s operational resilience and efficiency by easing congestion and reducing secondary vessel movements by an estimated 100 movements per year.
Mr Dawson said the port remained dedicated to ensuring the project was the best it could be. The port is currently working on a Construction Management Plan with HEB, which is to include a construction timetable that will be made public.
