Construction of a new 350-metre-long wharf for Hawke‘s Bay began last week with a ground-breaking and blessing ceremony at the 6 Wharf construction site, along the northern end of the port‘s container terminal.

Napier Port chief executive, Todd Dawson, officially turned the first sod at the western end of the wharf, where the first of 400 piles that support the wharf deck will be installed.

Dawson told those gathered – port workers, HEB construction staff and others associated with the project – that 6 Wharf will be a crucial piece of infrastructure for Hawke‘s Bay and they can be proud of their involvement with the project.

“Over the past 10 years we have seen a 50 percent increase in containers and a 64 percent increase in bulk cargo from our region‘s exporters and importers. We are also seeing more tourists visit, and last year we welcomed 94 percent more cruise ships than we did in 2010.

“We need 6 Wharf by the end of 2022 so we can welcome more vessels, continue improving operational performance, and keep connecting our region to the world,” says Dawson.

As detailed in the Product Disclosure Statement for Napier Port‘s initial public offer, the project is estimated to cost $173 to 190 million, excluding capitalised interest and overheads.

In preparation for building the wharf, Napier Port has been developing best practice management plans with key stakeholders since receiving its resource consent in November 2018.

The plans protect environmental and cultural values during the project, including Pania Reef, fisheries, water quality, marine mammals, wharf construction noise (land-based and underwater), traffic and birds, specifically the little blue penguin that nest on-port.