Port given green light to deepen channel
Ports of Auckland (POAL) says it has been granted consent to deepen Auckland’s shipping channel following a hearing in June.
The consent allows the channel to be deepened from 12.5 metres to between 14m and 14.2m.
POAL claims the decision will safeguard the city’s international supply line by allowing larger container ships, such as 366-metre-long New Panamax vessels with a maximum draft of 15.2m, to enter the port.
It says in a statement that tidal windows will be used to make best use of the natural water depth and to keep dredging to a minimum.
Deepening the shipping channel will accommodate vessels carrying twice the number of containers of ships currently visiting the site.
Tony Gibson, POAL’s chief executive, says: “The Covid-19 lockdown highlighted the essential role Auckland’s port plays in the economy. A deeper channel will ensure Auckland’s port can continue that essential role for decades.
“By allowing larger ships to reach the port, it will also reduce carbon emissions and the cost of transporting Auckland’s freight.”
The consent process was unusual because POAL asked for the application to be publicly notified even though it was not required, so people could have their say on the project.
More than 200 submissions were received with the main concern raised being the disposal of dredged material.
POAL says it will work with key submitters to seek ways to reduce or eliminate the need for sea disposal. Work on deepening the channel may start as soon as 2021.