The New Zealand port of Auckland has received full approval for the extensions to the two quays at Bledisloe North and Fergusson North.
This means that construction can begin on the infrastructure measures, which have been described as “projects of the century” and are intended to secure the port’s capacity for the next 40 years.
Preliminary work on the Bledisloe North quay is due to start in September, followed by work on the Fergusson North quay. HEB Construction has been appointed as the construction partner for the Bledisloe Quay project.
“Fast Track does not mean a shortcut, but an accelerated approval process – and we are proud to be the first to receive full approval. This allows us to move confidently into the construction phase,” said Andrew Clark, CFO of the Port of Auckland.
Conversion for larger box carriers and cruisers
The modernization should enable the port to handle larger container and cruise ships, increase efficiency and strengthen Auckland’s role as an international hub. According to the port, stakeholders and local communities were extensively involved in the planning process. “The feedback was crucial in shaping the final plans. These developments go beyond simply increasing capacity – they are designed to promote long-term economic growth for Auckland and the upper north of the North Island,” said Clark.
The Port of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest port and a major international container and commercial port. It is located on the natural Waitematā Harbour in the Auckland waterfront district, north of the city center. The port is mainly operated by the company Ports of Auckland (POAL), which is wholly owned by the Auckland Regional Council.
The port covers around 55 hectares, most of which was created by land reclamation on former bays. It is the third largest container port in Australasia and plays a central role in the regional economy, with around a third of the local economy and over 170,000 jobs directly or indirectly dependent on the port. In addition to the commercial port, there are several sub-ports and inland ports for inland shipping.
