New Zealand: CentrePort Restarts Ferry Traffic after Earthquake

CentrePort/The Big Picture New Zealands CentrePort, Wellington port operator, said that it managed to get ferries running last night and is expected to open its Seaview oil terminal later today, subject to final testing following an earthquake which struck New Zealand on November 14. CentrePort added that it conducted preliminary engineering assessments of its port infrastructure following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck North Canterbury, while also managing adverse weather conditions today. Derek Nind, Chief Executive of CentrePort, said the port suffered damage to some wharves and roadways with some liquefaction and differential settlement in places. He said that staff were working hard to get assessments done so the port could resume operations safely and as early as practicable. Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) earlier informed that the earthquake disrupted port operations in Wellington and Picton, as the ports issued damage notifications while Wellington authorities said that both the port and wharf gates will remain closed for the next seven days. According to ISS, no ship or cargo operations would be permitted in the mentioned areas. When certain sections are cleared by engineers selective operations may be allowed to recommence during this period.