Ports of Auckland plans dual servicing of larger ships

Ports of Auckland is preparing to service the next generation of container vessels by confirming a multi-million dollar investment in a berth deepening and lengthening program.

The investment will see the deepening of the northern berth at the Port’s Fergusson Container Terminal, and the construction of a mooring ‘dolphin‘ that will extend the maximum combined length of vessels able to be serviced simultaneously at the terminal by approximately forty metres.

According to Ports of Auckland’s chief executive Jens Madsen, more vessels in the 3,500 – 5,500 TEU range will be introduced into New Zealand services over the coming years, which means that the need for major ports to be able to accommodate two such vessels simultaneously is more pressing than the need to accommodate the arrival of single larger vessels of 6,000 TEU and above.

The maximum vessel draught at low tide on the outer berth will be increased from 11.7 metres to 13 metres. This will be in addition to the current maximum vessel draught at low tide for the inner berth of 12.5 metres.

The ‘dolphin‘ construction – a mooring structure separate from the main wharf – will ensure that vessels can be safely moored on the outer berth with a greater overhang than the current scenario.

Madsen said that the idea of 7,000 TEU vessels regularly visiting New Zealand by 2015 (a timeframe suggested in a recent report from the Shippers Council) seemed optimistic, which is why Ports of Auckland was taking a step-by-step approach.

"A number of stakeholders in the supply chain, including shipping lines, think it would be reasonable to expect ships of around 5,000 – 5,500 TEU calling on a regular liner service within the next five years. That is the immediate scenario we are planning for."

The berth deepening, which already has consents in place, will begin in the first quarter of 2011, followed by the construction of the ‘dolphin‘, with works scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.