Ports of Auckland has been granted consent by New Zealand authorities to deepen Auckland’s shipping channel. The consent allows the channel to be deepened from 12.5m to between 14m and 14.2m.
According to a statement, it safeguards Auckland’s international supply line by allowing larger container ships to enter Auckland’s port, such as the 366m long New Panamax vessels with a maximum draft of 15.2m. In addition, tidal windows will be used to make the best use of the natural water depth and keep dredging to a minimum.
“By allowing larger ships to reach the port, it will also reduce carbon emissions and the cost of transporting Auckland’s freight,” commented Port of Auckland’s chief executive, Tony Gibson.
“The Covid-19 lockdown highlighted the essential role Auckland’s port plays in the economy,” he added.
Ports of Auckland said it asked for the application to be publicly notified even though it was not required, so people could have their say on the project. Over two hundred submissions were received with the main concern raised being the disposal of dredged material, according to Ports of Auckland.
