NEW Zealand’s Northport has announced its intention to apply for an expansion at its eastern end, covering 13 hectares of additional container storage, handling, and transportation.
The eastern end development is where Marsden-based Northport proposes to integrate the port with KiwiPort’s Marsden Point line.
Northport expects to lodge its application for the eastern development around the middle of this year.
This timing intends to allow for technical reports prepared late last year to consider the board’s decision to decouple the eastern development from the western development.
Plans for development on the western side of the port are still underway, covering a proposed shipyard and drydock facility.
“Further work needs to be undertaken to meaningfully engage with all stakeholders, to include the employment, community development and economic opportunities presented by this initiative,” Northport said in a status update.
“More time is needed to explore all opportunities and possible variations to encourage investment in this nationally significant and regionally strategic project, maximise employment and other benefits, and to manage potential adverse effects.”
The board of Northport has reportedly taken a view that the company should progress the container storage, handling, and transportation facility in light of national supply-chain pressures and growing demand from shipping companies.
According to the board, this will give Northport the container capability to service the growing and changing freight needs of New Zealand’s upper north island.
Northport said it already has resource consent to expand its linear wharf 270 metres eastward, but modelling suggests this expansion will not be sufficient enough to cater for the projected growth and demand in container activities.
The resource consent application for the eastern development covers the additional works which will be required.
