Interislander Rail Ferry Terminal (RFT 3 Linkspan Project

Teams toil at terminal upgrade

PROJECT: Interislander Rail Ferry Terminal (RFT) 3 Linkspan Project CONTRACTOR: HEB Construction CLIENT: KiwiRail VALUE: $3.6m

On 1 November 2021, HEB Construction began the RFT3 Linkspan Project for KiwiRail, strengthening the linkspan at CentrePort in Wellington to fit a different ferry.

With a new ferry due to begin operating in New Zealand in December 2021, KiwiRail, HEB, and Holmes Consulting had a short timeframe to upgrade the linkspan to hold the larger and heavier ferry door so it could safely load and unload freight. There were several challenges on this project. As an operational linkspan, the team had to make sure all systems worked and clear the site every time a

ferry berthed so that they could unload with no disruption. Working within the marine environment, protecting the environment and marine life was key. With a strict commissioning deadline of 24 December 2021, the teams worked day and night to meet the deadline in time for the Christmas travel rush. The team achieved the project deadline 53CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2022 CCNZ / HIREPOOL with minimal disruption, no health and safety issues, and no environmental concerns due to strong collaboration with all parties. Leaving logos at the door, the delivery team came together as colleagues to solve the challenges rather than as client, contractor, consultants, designers, suppliers, or subcontractors. 2