New Zealand's Lyttelton Port Company has commenced its NZ$821 million ($482 million) Te Awaparahi Bay expansion and resilience project, with completion scheduled for 2031.
The development encompasses a 388-metre deepwater wharf, a five-hectare container terminal, four new ship-to-shore cranes, and semi-automated yard cranes.
A request for expressions of interest to construct the wharf has been issued to the market alongside initial engagement with specialist contractors and equipment suppliers.
In addition, construction is underway on a 24-desk project office within the Woolstore at Te Ana Marina to house industry and project personnel in a single location.
Chief Marine and Infrastructure Officer Jeremy Homan described the development as one of the largest port infrastructure undertakings in New Zealand in recent decades.
“It’s significant not just for LPC, but for the wider South Island, exporters and shipping customers who will have access to modern infrastructure that strengthens the supply chain,” he observed.
With wharf design nearing completion, marine construction is slated to commence in mid-2027, preceded by berth pocket dredging scheduled for late 2026. Design contracts for new reefer towers are also advancing alongside high-voltage electrical network upgrades required to power electric equipment.
Meanwhile, technical personnel are designing on-site data centres, expanding a private 5G network, and integrating incoming equipment with the existing terminal operating system. The port's marine division is also evaluating options with suppliers for a third tug to assist future operations.