CentrePort’s plans

The port has outlined its general plans for the redevelopment in its 2018 annual report.

They include increasing freight capacity, a demolition programme for damaged assets, as well as new and improved container handling equipment. Sixty million dollars has already been spent on demolition work at the port’s Thorndon container wharf.

The rebuild would also involve an upgrade of Seaview Wharf, resilience work at Kings Wharf and three Aotea Quay wharves, pavement works, improving stormwater drainage, and expanding inland freight hubs in New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Wairarapa and Marlborough. Additionally, there are plans for a new, quake-resistant multiuser Cook Strait ferry terminal. This has the backing of both the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry companies.

A key feature would be floating ‘‘linkspans’’ or drawbridges connecting boats to the terminal, which would safeguard against changes in the water level.