LYTTELTON PORT OF CHRISTCHURCH ANNOUNCES FURTHER INVESTMENT AT CONTAINER
TERMINAL
Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) is to buy a fourth ship-to-shore gantry
crane to handle the growing container volumes at the Port.
LPC will also expand its fleet of straddle carriers by investing in another
four new diesel electric straddles to increase the capacity of its current
fleet from 18 to 22.
For this financial year, the port anticipates achieving container volumes of
350,000 TEU which will represent a record total surpassing last year''s record
of 330,000 TEU. LPC Chief Executive, Peter Davie, says container trade
continues to grow, increasing 15.6% in the last financial year and by
approximately 22% in the past two years, enabled by excellent planning and
high productivity from staff.
"The Company''s strong performance is proof of the continued underlying
strength of the Canterbury economy which has continued to generate strong
growth in exports and imports. LPC is committed to supporting the Canterbury
economy by providing facilities, plant and staffing to meet this ongoing
growth in trade" he says.
Over the years, the Port has undergone many changes to increase its
cargo-handling capacity, and cater for the needs of cargo owners and the
shipping industry. It has adapted to changes in vessel sizes and types, the
containerisation of cargoes and cargo-handling methods.
"The key to continuing success is the ability to develop and expand to meet
the existing and future needs of customers and stakeholders."
The on-going investment in infrastructure will help maintain and enhance
container handling productivity while work continues on our Reinstatement and
Development Plan.
The Port continues to grow with the on-going expansion of Canterbury, one of
New Zealand''s strongest regional economies. Commodity exports, such as dry
and reefer dairy, and frozen meat and vegetables, are forecast to keep
rising. Imports are also rising, and are tipped to continue their upwards
path over the long-term as Christchurch rebuilds after the 2010-2011
earthquakes.
Liebherr Container Cranes Limited have been commissioned to manufacture the
crane and straddles at a combined cost of over NZ$16 million. Delivery is
expected in the latter half of 2014 and is timed to coincide with the Cashin
Quay berth reinstatement programme and development work for the Terminal.
-Ends-
For further information contact:
PAUL MONK
Operations Manager
Lyttelton Port Company Ltd
021 761 274
End CA:00237183 For:LPC Type:ASSET Time:2013-06-07 13:25:23