Ports of Auckland has been granted consent to deepen Auckland‘s shipping channel. 

The consent allows the channel to be deepened from 12.5m to between 14m and 14.2m, allowing larger container ships to enter Auckland‘s port, such as 366-metre-long New Panamax vessels with a maximum draft of 15.2m. 

Tidal windows will be used to make best use of the natural water depth and keep dredging to a minimum.

“The Covid-19 lockdown highlighted the essential role Auckland‘s port plays in the economy,” said Ports of Auckland‘s chief executive Tony Gibson. “A deeper channel will ensure Auckland‘s port can continue that essential role for decades. By allowing larger ships to reach the port, it will also reduce carbon emissions and the cost of transporting Auckland‘s freight.”

The consent process was unusual because Ports of Auckland asked for the application to be publicly notified even though it was not required, to allow people to have their say on the project. More than 200 submissions were received, with the main concern raised being the disposal of dredged material.

Ports of Auckland acknowledges that this is a genuine concern and is committed to working with key submitters to look for ways to reduce or even eliminate the need for sea disposal.