04 March 2008

Lyttelton Port Begins Consultation In Preparation For Resource Consent Application

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) is to begin public consultation in preparation for submitting a resource consent application for the proposed deepening of the navigational channel.

Shipping trends

The international shipping market has identified that international container vessels will continue to get larger. For LPC to continue as a key provider of services to importers and exporters throughout the South Island, and to remain an important link for many national and international shipping companies, Lyttelton must be able to accommodate larger vessels in the future.

To enable this, it is proposed that the navigation channel be deepened and extended so that ships of a 14.5 metre draught can access the port during all tides. Current draught is 12.4 metres at high tide.

The port

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch operates in a highly competitive business environment. Lyttelton is part of an international trade network and plays an important role for local exporters and importers in that global network.

The port is serviced by many international shipping lines, several of which currently call only at Lyttelton in the South Island. LPC wants to safeguard Lyttelton’s position as the South Island’s premier port, and sees the key to the future as an ability to develop and expand to meet the needs of its customers, and all those who rely on a successful port for all or part of their livelihoods.

The port's success is a positive sign of the prosperity of the region as it provides the basis for a large infrastructure of employment, not just in Lyttelton and Christchurch, but throughout Canterbury and the South Island. It is therefore vital to keep Lyttelton at the forefront of the port industry, and deepening the navigation channel is a key step in this ongoing process.

Consultation

Through the consultation process, LPC aims to discuss the proposal with people who may be interested in or affected by the proposed project, and to identify areas where further information may be required.

LPC is committed to conducting a thorough consultation process with all interested parties prior to the submission of the resource consent application to ensure all the various impacts from the project are understood and addressed. LPC will begin consulting with stakeholders over the next few months.

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