Ports of Auckland today announced the start of work to demolish the northern section of Marsden wharf. The structure is old and at the end of its useful life. It has not been used for cargo ships for many years and recently it has only been used to temporarily hold imported cars. Because of its condition of the structure it is now unsuitable even for that task and will be removed.

Work to remove the concrete deck will begin next week. The piles will be left in place until Ports of Auckland are able to deepen the shipping basin in that area. Ultimately, the expanded shipping basin will be used for ships berthing at Bledisloe wharf. It will mean the port is able to utilise a berth that is currently inaccessible and reduces the need to extend further north.

The work is part of the port’s long term plan to optimise the port layout to improve efficiency and keep reclamation needs to a minimum. Ports of Auckland has not yet sought resource consent for the deepening work but would expect to do so within the next five years.

Consent for demolition works was sought from Council and approved in May 2012.

ENDS

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