Lyttelton Port is one step closer to welcoming the world’s largest cruise ships to Canterbury with all piling complete on New Zealand’s first purpose-built cruise berth.

Since late 2018, 66 marine and 384 land-based piles totalling almost 10 kilometres have been driven in the project, ensuring the structure is ready to open in November and welcome the 80 cruise ships booked for the summer season.

From designers Beca to HEB Construction, Genesis Projects and LPC engineers, many teams have ensured the piling work was completed on time and minimised any potential risks to the marine environment in Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour.

LPC Infrastructure Manager Mike Simmers says it is exciting to reach this milestone in the project, and attention is now turning to the remaining work needed to ready the berth for November.

Wharf deck construction is progressing well, and over 2,000 rock bags have also been successfully placed underwater to provide scour protection to the seawall slope.

“The focus for the construction teams on site will now shift to the infrastructure on land behind the wharf, which includes a new electrical substation, lighting masts and underground services such as stormwater treatment systems and water reticulation pipework,” says Mike.

“There will also be a passenger shelter and amenities building constructed.”

LPC Strategic Engagement Manager Phil de Joux wants to thank the harbour community for their support during the piling stage of the project.

“We know this has been a noisy process, and we acknowledge that it could at times be disruptive to Lyttelton residents and business owners.”

“By providing regular updates on when piling was expected to occur, we hope we have helped people to plan around the anticipated noise and minimise its impact.”

Phil says LPC continues to work closely with Christchurch City Council, ChristchurchNZ, the Lyttelton Information Centre and independent tour operators to plan the most effective logistics around the cruise berth.