Business Central December 2021

16 | CentrePort Ltd: Seaview Project DEVELOPMENT Critical wharf upgrade T T from page 14 Work on the Main Wharf will include repair to the lateral load resisting system, renewal of services, replacement of manifold area and upgrade to the amenity area. A joint project between CentrePort and the fuel companies, Stage Two focused on the repair, replacement and strengthening of the wharf structure with the fuel companies responsible for the pipeline component. Work on the Approach Wharf includes up- grade to bents, replacement of decking units and damaged piles, maintain cathodic (corro- sion) protection and the removal of damaged raker piles. Work on the Main Wharf will include repair to the lateral load resisting system, renewal of services, replacement of manifold area and upgrade to the amenity area. While working in an exposed area at sea and subject to Wellington’s weather elements is an obvious challenge, the project team will also need to ensure project work does not disrupt normal operations, with fuel ships still berthing and offloading their fuel supplies. “There will be systems and processes put in place to enable the safe operation of fuel dis- charge as well as the project work,” says John. “Protection of the environment and marine mammals is also very important. There will be some technology called a Bubble Curtain that will be utilised to reduce underwater sound.” Bubble Curtains can be deployed to reduce or mitigate impacts from high noise levels produced by pile-driving. Air streaming from closely spaced release points creates a “wall” of bubbles around the pile. Because air and water have a substantial impedance mismatch, the bubble curtain acts as a reflector. “There is also a colony of Little Blue Pen- guins onshore and we have put in place a plan for monitoring their movement in the area.” John says the programme of work includes a focus on working and engaging with local residents, the wider community groups and iwi so that they, and the people they repre- sent, are aware of the progress and that the project team can understand and listen to any concerns that may arise. “What we will have is an asset that will be more resilient to seismic damage and future proofed to serve Wellington and the lower North Island well for the next 50 years. “It is a classic example of infrastructure investment with a view to not just servicing the current needs but the future needs of the community and economy.”