HEB Construction

CATEGORY 4: Projects with a value greater than $50 million

A successful berthing

Lyttelton Port of Christchurch’s new wharf is a milestone in the port’s development, and part of its plan to ensure that the port is the freight hub for regional and South Island trade. The $56 million Cashin Quay No 2 Wharf doubles the vessel berthing capacity at Lyttelton Port. It is one of the most significant major rebuild projects since the earthquakes and supports the national economy. The Lyttelton CQ2 Wharf Reconstruction project was awarded to HEB Construction and involved the demolition and replacement of the earthquake damaged 24-metre wharf structure and the CATEGORY construction of a new 230-metre long and 4 FINALIST 34-metre wide container wharf including associated works. The client was the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC). Works were complicated by restricted access, a tight working area and the need to maintain port operations at all times. This included the provision for ship berthing and mooring within the construction zone. “We overcame this through our excellent collaboration and liaison with LPC and port stakeholders, says HEB.

“A key site risk was noise and vibration (primarily from pile driving) on marine mammals, such as dolphins. We took unique measures alongside LPC and ECan involving harbour observance and intermittent ceasing of work. Surveys demonstrated no resulting negative impact on dolphin sightings.”

Project delivery included intermittent delays due to design changes as a result of unforeseen issues (including LPC’s discovery of the full extent of damage, and failure of their initial ground improvements contractor).

“We offset these delays by collaborating with designers, providing flexibility in our critical path programming, and application of proven fast-track construction methods. For example, we delivered final wharf frontage works in staged separable portions to enable LPC to provide continual berth space. This resulted in no loss of availability to their customers.”

The new wharf was officially opened on February 4, 2016.

“Lyttelton Port Company was pleased with our efforts to maintain progress on site and the staged delivery of key milestones. LPC is extremely happy with the end product,” says HEB. l