MEDIA RELEASE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016

CAR AND LOG DELIVERIES REINFORCE PROGRESS AT CENTREPORT

Wellington’s Port continues to make good progress in resuming services following the 14 November earthquake, although challenges remain.

Chief Executive, Derek Nind says CentrePort is moving from an assessment phase to a more operational phase, as it safely recommences services in a planned way.

“Tonight we’ll receive our second car ship since the earthquake, delivering another 500 cars to Wellington. The first log ship is expected into the Port on Wednesday. Log train deliveries to CentrePort will resume following this.

“A limited container service has begun, and full containers are now being delivered to importers by rail. We’re continuing to undertake detailed inspections of the damage sustained on the Aratere’s ferry terminal. Initial repairs have already commenced.

“Following the inaugural visit of the Pacific Aria yesterday, we’ll welcome another cruise ship next week on its first visit to New Zealand’s Harbourside Capital. We’ll also receive HMNZS Otago on Friday as she resupplies following earthquake recovery work in Kaikoura” he said.

Progress is also being made on CentrePort’s commercial buildings. Plans are being developed to conduct repairs on the BNZ building using a crane. It will be used to remove air conditioning units from the BNZ building. This will allow the roof repairs following the earthquake.

Mr Nind said CentrePort still faces significant challenges. “There remains much work ahead and some of the damage will create significant challenges for CentrePort in the future. The Port’s container cranes are currently non-operational and there is liquefaction and substantial differentiated settlement across the container operations area.

“CentrePort remains committed to its customers and is working with them to reduce disruption as much as possible. We have been heartened by the support we’ve received from them in the past week. We all appreciate the importance of the Port for the wider Wellington Region, which makes the resumption of many services particularly welcome at this difficult time.”

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