Auckland prepared for larger ships

Auckland prepared for larger ships

Ports of Auckland’s two and a half year project to deepen the northern berth at the Fergusson Container Terminal has been completed. Part of the port’s ongoing future proofing program, the deepening allows for the simultaneous servicing of two large ships at the terminal.

“The deepening of the northern berth ensures we can continue to accommodate our customers evolving requirements, which include a move to larger vessels,” Ports of Auckland Chief Executive, Tony Gibson said.

“The investment will ensure sufficient depth along the full length of the Fergusson terminal to reliably accommodate vessels as draughts deepen,” he said.

The maximum vessel draught at chart datum (the lowest of low tides) at the northern berth has been increased from 11.7m to 13.0m. This is in addition to the maximum vessel draught at chart datum for the inner berth of 12.5m.

The return of the Maersk’s Southern Star service to Auckland this month will see the port servicing the biggest ships currently calling in New Zealand.

Ports of Auckland Ltd handles over 800,000 TEU (20ft-equivalent units), more than 1,500 ship calls and 3.8 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo per annum. It is New Zealand’s leading import port and a key partner to export and import industries, as well as New Zealand’s premier cruise port and vehicle import gateway. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd.

ENDS

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