The Port of Christchurch has
deferred the start of a new cruise
terminal development, which it
announced in 2010, meaning
the port will not take bookings
for the majority of cruise
vessels for the 2013/14 season.
THE $13.7m plans were thrown into chaos in
the aftermath of the February 2011
earthquake and subsequent aftershocks which
ravaged the city of Christchurch.
A review in the wake of the quake has meant
that the Port has had to revise its development
plans to take into account the seismic activity,
meaning the development costs are likely to
increase by around 40% to approximately $20
million dollars.
“Given the complex nature and the limited
timeframe it will be challenging to meet the
opening of the 2013/2014 cruise season,” said
the Port’s Chief Executive, Peter Davie.
“When we do the cruise birth development we will need to take into account
infrastructure such as roads and parking for
coaches, to provide customers with an
experience that is up to international standard.
“LPC is simply not prepared to take short cuts
on or risks with the design and construction
given what we now know about seismic
activity in this region and impact on physical
structures,” he added, saying “We have to do it
right first time around”.
In terms of a replacement, the port of
Akaroa, about 90 minutes by road from
Christchurch, will host the majority of vessels
for the 2013/14 season, whilst Lyttleton will
host some smaller cruise ships which can fit
into the inner harbour.
