Lyttelton Port of Christchurch wishes to advise that the port has sustained further damage from yesterday’s series of aftershocks in Christchurch.

Our first priority was for the safety of all staff and we can advise that fortunately, there were no injuries sustained at the port.

The port is now completing a full engineering assessment over the next 12 hours. Until we have a clearer picture of the damage sustained to key infrastructure, port operations are suspended until 1700 - 23/2/2011.

The port’s key focus over the next 48 hours will be to assess the state of the port’s infrastructure and auxiliary services, with the intent where possible to recover elements of key services as quickly as possible to ensure food and all essential supplies can get in.

We would appreciate no further media contact at this time as our resources are fully stretched. We aim to make a further announcement at 17:00 today.

ENDS

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