ENABLING NZ’S ENERGY FUTURE • Decades of skills, knowledge and experience supporting the energy sector. • A vision to develop multipurpose infrastructure for a range of energy and logistics projects, industries and businesses. Ross Dingle, General Manager Commercial Phone: 027 310 5112 | Email: rdingle@porttaranaki.co.nz Port ready to be part of energy solution H As a strategic economic asset for Taranaki and wider New Zealand, the port has a vision to become a national energy and logistics hub – a facility with multiuse infrastructure to support a range of businesses and industries, including LNG imports and oil and gas exploration and exchange; offshore wind production and other new energy projects; decommissioning of oil and gas assets; forestry and agriculture imports and exports; heavy lift project cargo; and roll-on roll-off services. Of most immediate concern for New Zealand is finding new and alternative sources of gas to shore up declining gas reserves as the energy crisis bites. The well-documented shortage is causing high electricity prices and industrial production reductions and closures, threatening long-term industrialisation. “Gas remains vital to New Zealand’s energy mix in helping power our homes, businesses, industry and economy, and ensuring energy security, resilience and affordability,” says Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock. It’s hoped the Government’s $200 million investment in a Gas Security Fund will rejuvenate activity, including through additional drilling in existing fields and production facility upgrades, and exploration and appraisal drilling. “Separately, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports are also an important part of the overall solution puzzle, which Port Taranaki can support through the use of existing infrastructure, including wharves, pipelines, storage areas, and connectivity to national transmission pipelines and storage facilities,” Mr Craddock says. In October, the Government launched a formal procurement process for an LNG import facility, with Port Taranaki touted by many commentators as a likely preferred location. Registrations of interest were opened at the same time, and it is expected the Government will decide in December whether to proceed with the next stage. Mr Craddock says there are a range of feasible LNG solutions that could work at Port Taranaki. “These include large scale solutions that would meet future supply requirements as well as immediate security needs, and small-scale LNG projects that could be developed quickly, at low cost, and without the need for modifications to port infrastructure.” Other proposals include floating storage, both inside and outside the port. “Each has its merits and it will be a case of determining which is right for New Zealand’s energy needs now and in the future.” “Port Taranaki is not an LNG developer, however we’ve been talking with potential developers and are ready and willing to work with them, Government, investors, and the industry on solutions to help realise LNG imports – offering our capabilities around marine services, port services, infrastructure, and land,” he says. Port Taranaki was last considered for LNG imports about 20 years ago, resulting in some public concern regarding safety. “We understand there may be some hesitancy in the community about LNG imports, but much has changed in technology and safety since the early 2000s,” Mr Craddock says. “There are now dozens of LNG import terminals operating in ports around the world and, like our Newton King Tanker Terminal energy wharf, modern LNG vessels and terminals incorporate multiple layers of protection – automatic shutdown systems, gas and fire detection, and engineered containment. “Should LNG facilities or services proceed at Port Taranaki, operators would be required to submit a strict safety case covering hazard analysis, prevention, and emergency response, alongside environmental impact analysis, and carry out engagement with iwi and hapū and the community. “Port Taranaki would work with developers, regulators, operators, and emergency services on best-practice design, hazard analysis, prevention, and emergency response.” elping lift New Zealand out of a worsening energy crisis is a key focus for Port Taranaki “Gas remains vital to New Zealand’s energy mix in helping power our homes, businesses, industry and economy, and ensuring energy security, resilience and affordability,” - Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock
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