Lyttelton Port is one step closer to welcoming the world’s largest cruise ships to Canterbury with the final wharf deck concrete pour completed on New Zealand’s first purpose-built cruise berth.
Since late 2018, over 2500m3 of concrete has been placed to form the main wharf deck, ensuring the structure is ready to open in November.
From Designers BECA, to HEB Construction, Genesis Projects and LPC engineers, many teams have ensured construction is on time and minimised any potential risks to the marine environment in Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour.
LPC Infrastructure Manager Mike Simmers says it is exciting to reach this milestone in the project, and attention is now turning to the remaining work needed to ready the berth for November.
Construction is progressing well and over 2000 rock bags have been successfully placed underwater to provide scour protection to the seawall slope.
“The focus for the construction teams on site will now shift to the infrastructure on land behind the wharf, which includes a new electrical sub-station, lighting masts and underground services such as stormwater treatment systems and water reticulation pipework,” says Mike.
“There will also be a passenger shelter and small amenities building constructed.”
LPC Strategic Engagement Manager Phil de Joux wished to thank the Harbour community for their support during the piling stage of the project.
“We know this has been a noisy process, and we acknowledge that it could at times be disruptive to Lyttelton residents and business owners.”
“By providing regular updates on when piling was expected to occur, we hope we have helped people to plan around the anticipated noise and minimise its impact.”
Phil says LPC continues to work closely with the Christchurch City Council, ChristchurchNZ, the Lyttelton Information Centre and independent tour operators to plan the most effective logistics around the cruise berth.
“We want everyone to be prepared and well-informed about the process surrounding cruise ship visits, so we will keep the community updated in the coming months as plans become finalised.”
COVID-19 impact on cruise at LPC
Construction on the cruise berth paused under COVID-19 Alert Level 4, however great progress has been made since work was restarted at Alert Level 3.
LPC Marketing Manager Simon Munt says the COVID-19 outbreak will have an effect on the next cruise season, but this impact is not yet clear.
“We continue to watch the situation as it develops, and work with relevant industry interests and agencies to remain informed. However, there are numerous factors that affect the situation, not least of which is how long border restrictions remain in place.”
The cruise berth remains on track to be complete in time for the 2020/2021 cruise ship season.