South Port is pleased to advise that after the recent successful dredging campaign, the Port can now accept vessels up to a maximum draft of 10.3m at high water. This is an interim step as we transition to the targeted operating draft of 10.7m at high water.
29 January 2024
Media Release
South Port is now accepting vessels up to a maximum draft of 10.3m
South Port is pleased to advise that after the recent successful dredging campaign, the Port can now accept vessels up to a maximum draft of 10.3m at high water. This is an interim step as we transition to the targeted operating draft of 10.7m at high water.
Kia Whakaū, the name given to the project to dredge and remove seabed materials to 9.7m chart datum (CD) in the harbour entrance channel, 10.7m CD in the Island Harbour berth basins, and 9.45m CD in the swinging basin, was granted resource consent on 31 August 2022. The successful completion and intent to take a staged approach for operating was announced on 30 October 2023.
“This will be the first time in 40 years that the Port can provide a deeper draft through the entrance channel for vessels calling at Bluff, which is exciting for both the Company and the region,” said Nigel Gear, Chief Executive.
The staged approach allows our marine staff to become familiar with handling vessels of a deeper draft before moving to the targeted operating draft of 10.7m at high water.
ENDS.
For further information, please contact:
Mrs Charlotte Scoles
Communications Advisor
South Port New Zealand Limited
Tel: 021 775 298
Email: cscoles@southport.co.nz
