Wharf repairs rule out cruise ships this year

Ongoing repairs and maintenance to damaged bollards caused by a series of storms at Timaru’s port have prevented cruise ships from returning to the harbour this year.

PrimePort Timaru chief executive Phil Melhopt confirmed that three ships – the Europa 1, Europa 2 and Seabourn Encore – will not sail into town in February and March as previously scheduled.

‘‘The bollards are designed to secure cruise vessels in very high wind events,’’ Melhopt said.

‘‘There were three cruise vessels booked for the 2018/19 season. Agents tend to book cruise vessel visits about two years in advance.’’

The last time a cruise ship visited was in February 2017 when the Seabourn Encore collided with the Milburn Carrier II, causing damage to the hull of the cement carrier, after the ship broke its moorings.

Melhopt said while the decision to cancel the cruise ships was disappointing, safety was considered as a first priority after the port had suffered severe damage from the storms.

‘‘Given the significant repairs and maintenance under way on the main berth [No 1 wharf] used for cruise vessels, and following a comprehensive risk assessment, we decided to defer cruise vessels for this current season.’’

The repairs have come at huge cost to the port company, Melhopt said.

‘‘Along with significant repairs on the No 1 wharf we are also installing a series of storm bollards at a capital cost of approximately $700,000.’’

The three cruise ships each carry about 500-600 passengers. Seabourn Encore was set to arrive on February 16, while Europa 1 and 2 were slated for 12-hour visits – approximately 7am-7pm – on February 19 and March 13 respectively.

Timaru CBD group spokesman Nigel Gilkison said while the cruise ship visits being prohibited this year was disappointing, he understood the reasoning behind it.

‘‘While we are disappointed that cruise ships will not be berthing at Timaru’s port as early as originally planned, we do welcome the investment being made by PrimePort in upgrading the berthing facilities at the port to cater for the cruise liner market,’’ Gilkison said.

He said businesses in the CBD could look forward to future dockings by cruise ships.

‘‘The proximity of the port to Timaru’s CBD presents a great opportunity for local retailers to take advantage of this increased influx of visitors to our town,’’ he said.

‘‘The potential increase in future cruise line visits will also benefit our tourism sector across the whole of South Canterbury.’’

Aoraki development’s Di Hay said the three ships not docking in Timaru Harbour would not affect local businesses.

‘‘From a local business perspective, missing out on three cruise ship visits this season won’t disadvantage the businesses here, as this was likely to only have been a small market portion over a few days.’’

New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Kevin O’Sullivan said the cruise ships will now berth in Lyttleton.

‘‘We were informed by the port just before Christmas that we cannot berth in Timaru,’’ O’Sullivan said.

‘‘They told us it had something to do with work with bollards. Timaru PrimePort is a member of the Cruise Association.’’

Melhopt said the upgrade to the port’s bollards will be completed before next season.

‘‘We have confirmed vessels already booked for the following season.’’

‘‘The bollards are designed to secure cruise vessels in very high wind events.’’ Phil Melhopt