The Port of Napier is officially opening a new wharf extension that will allow it to meet future demand.
The new wharf, named Te Whiti, is able to take bigger container vessels and cruise ships.
“At 350 metres long, Te Whiti is long enough and deep enough to accommodate the increasingly larger vessels calling New Zealand today and into the future, allowing us to support the needs of our customers, community and region,” Napier Port chief executive Todd Dawson said.
“Once fully operational our new wharf will help to alleviate ongoing shipping disruptions and supply chain congestion across New Zealand.”
In contrast to the delays and budget overruns that have affected most construction projects in the country, the wharf was built six months ahead of schedule and at the lower end of the $173-$179 million budget.
The port company, previously fully owned by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, listed on the NZX in 2019 in a $234m float of 45 per cent of its shares to fund the expansion.
Image credit: Port of Napier
