26 | Southland: South Port NZ Russell Fredric Developments help future-proof Port Bulk cargo volumes were up by 6.1% for 2022 led by a 148,000-tonne increase in stock food volumes imported into the region. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Pleased to support the team at South Port COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, MARINE AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICIANS 115 Barrow St, P O Box 36, Blu 9842 Phone: 03 212 8822 Email: admin@blu electrical.co.nz Although the global tide of change has impacted some areas of South Port’s operations, the forward-focused company is far from drifting in the doldrums. During the past one to two years it has embarked on several developments, upgrades and projects of significance that will underpin the present and future of the port and the wider region. These include commissioning a new $10 million 65 tonne tug, Rakiwai, approval to deepen the Bluff Harbour channel and parts of the inner harbour, the reconstruction of the Town Wharf fuel berth accessway, pipeline corridor, and discharge platform. Additionally the construction of a new reefer (refrigerated container) tower in the port’s container terminal tower is a significant step in servicing this industry, complemented by the expansion of the container storage footprint and construction of a new container wash area. On the back of these and other developments and projects, chief executive Nigel Gear says he is pleased with the company’s financial performance for the 2022 financial year. South Port posted an after tax profit of $12.83 million which was a 19.7% increase on the previous years. This was influenced by a 2.9% increase in cargoes being handled which resulted in a total 3.55 million tonnes. “This is a very pleasing result taking into consideration both the disruption in the worldwide container supply chain and the fluctuating log market conditions encountered over the past 12 months,” Nigel says. Bulk cargo volumes were up by 6.1% at 3,123,000 tonnes (2021 – 2,942,000 tonnes) led by a 148,000-tonne increase in stock food volumes imported into the region, while log and timber volumes collectively were down 13.9%. Vessel activity at the port was similarly down on the previous period, recording 305 calls compared to 331 resulting in a 24% reduction in container vessel calls to the port. “The pleasing aspect of an increase in bulk cargo and a reduction in the number of ship calls, however, is greater volumes being handled on fewer vessels loading/discharging at Bluff which translates to better environmental outcomes.” The $11 million infrastructure upgrade to the Town Wharf, comprising the fuel berth accessway, pipeline corridor and discharge platform was imperative to ensure the sustainability of offloading fuel and bitumen for distribution to Southland and the Wakatipu Basin and will provide resilience for the fuel import sector for at least the next 50 years. Work included demolition of the existing structure, new steel piles and steel superstructure, concrete decking for the discharge area and a 150 metre long access bridge, all while keeping the fuel berth operational. “Our lead contractor, Brian Perry Civil did an excellent job working in with the community throughout. The project wasn’t entirely smooth sailing with the team experiencing some delays during August 2021 thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, however issues were mitigated and the project was still delivered on time.” Jim Greg 0274 334 858 0274 160 037 Site Preparation Phone 03 215 9921 jim.bates@xtra.co.nz 28 Steel Road, RD4, PO Box 5030, Invercargill Gravel Supplies Asphalt Work Driveways Excavation Contact the team on (03) 214 1775 49 Ythan Street , Appleby , Invercargill 9812 Email: decom@decom.co.nz Dredging underway - page 28
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