OCEANIA

New Zealands Lyttelton battles subsidence

16 years ago

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) chief executive Peter Davie has advised his port’s container terminal – which has already slumped 20-30 centimetres following the major earthquake on September 4 – could continue sinking for the next three years.

As a consequence Mr Davie said the initial total repair estimate of NZ$50m (US$38.5m) could easily be exceeded, with further movement of the terminal – which is on reclaimed land – expected to cause new distortions and cracks that would eventually require its entire surface to be replaced.

It is understood the earthquake, which registered 7.1 on the Richter Scale, inflicted damage to about 40% of the port’s wharves. As a consequence, Gladstone Pier and a coolstore facility will require demolition, half of Cashin Quay has slumped about 30 centimetres and a weatherboard lighthouse is leaning at a precarious angle.

However, the port is fully insured and it is expected beautification plans intended over the next three years could be brought forward as part of the rebuilding process.

Despite the damage caused by the earthquake, which was centred about 40 kilometres west of the port, LPC was able to resume core services within hours and soon after was able to accommodate all cargo operations.