Auckland City Council - City Scene

Mudcrete for container wharf?

Ports of Auckland has begun experimental 'mudcreting' and a survey of the seabed in preparation for reclamation work for the extension of the Axis Fergusson Container Terminal.

As part of the experiments dredged mud from Onehunga will be mixed with cement to form mudcrete, which solidifies quickly and forms a strong base on the seabed. This technology has been used successfully at the Viaduct Harbour reclamation.

The extension involves the construction of a new 320 metre berth on the northern side of the terminal and the reclamation of 9.4 hectares on the eastern side for container handling. Work will begin on the actual extensions next year and is expected to cost nearly $100 million to complete.

An economic assessment indicates that the additional trade generated by the terminal expansion will be worth $77 million per year to the regional economy by the year 2010 and will lead to the creation of 540 additional jobs, in addition to the work generated by the expansion project.

A public walkway along the eastern side of the reclaimed area will also be built.

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