Ports welcome back logs for export
EASTLAND PORT MAY HAVE BEEN THE FIRST TO BEGIN exporting logs, but the easing of COVID-19 restrictions to Alert Level 3 is being welcomed at other ports too, as port operations and projects recommence under physical distancing measures.
Forestry is Port Nelson’s largest export by volume and this is welcome news to the port and the Te Tauihu region. It will see the return of log cargo through the port gates into log storage which was used as imported car storage during Alert Level 4. These cars will now be able to be moved off site, easing wharf and storage pressures.
As log vessels return to the port, so will log stevedoring operations in Nelson and Picton. Picton operations had been at a standstill during Alert Level 4, however, the arrival of the logging vessel Hainan Island, has started the process of clearing the wharf in preparation for the arrival of more volume once the industry is up and running.
Nelson Pine Industries will be able to restart its MDF and LVL plant, though returning to full production capacity will not be immediate. Nelson Pine is a key customer of Port Nelson’s QuayPack business which stores and packs NPI product for export.
QuayPack saw a significant reduction in work during lockdown with staff being utilised in busier port departments. The return flow of Nelson Pine and other processed timber products, along with the ongoing fitting of wine flexitanks, will see QuayPack return to nearly normal levels of operation.
The port’s Calwell Slipway will also be able to resume its maintenance work on all vessels.
Essential import and export container and QuayConnect services will continue as they have over the last four weeks.
The resumption of the construction industry will also allow a number of halted and planned port infrastructure projects to continue. McConnell Dowell will continue replacement work on Main Wharf North, vital work necessary to improve port resilience, emergency lifeline services and capacity to receive larger vessels. Other projects include the replacement of the Wakefield Quay Pontoon during May as well as internal paving and upgrade work on berths.
All on-port work by staff and contractors will continue under strict COVID-19 practices in dedicated cells or isolation. Temperature readings and stronger protocols around managing health prior to coming to work are also being introduced.
Meanwhile, South Canterbury’s log export industry is also set to resume. The 32,000 tonne bulk carrier Hainan Island is scheduled to arrive in Timaru to pick up 22,000 cubic metres of Blakely Pacific and Laurie Forestry logs bound for South Korea and China. The Western Maple, also a 32,000 tonne bulk carrier, will follow, taking 10,000 cubic metres of logs to China.
NZL