The Port of Tauranga in New Zealand opened a NZ$50m (US$42m) berth development last week on 4 April, the first stage in a NZ$170m (US$143m) development planned to allow larger ships into the port.
The expansion plans are intended to offer facilities equal to those at rival ports in Australia. They include expanding the port’s container wharf, installing new equipment and increasing its cargo capacity.
The minister for conservation, Nick Smith, granted consents for the project in March 2013 after nearly four years of lobbying by advocates.
The dredging of the port entrance is intended to commence later in 2013. It is thought it will take between six and 12 months to complete.
After this work is finished, ships with a capacity of up to 8000 containers will be able to enter the port.
'Our ability to cater for larger ships will not only benefit the Bay of Plenty, but also the broader national economy,' said chief executive of the Port of Tauranga, Mark Cairns.
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