“Forestry for Life”, Gisborne Herald, April 2022 – Eastland Port is close to submitting resource consent for the Twin Berth project.

Five years in the planning, the Twin Berth stage 2 application is just weeks away from being submitted. The application will cover the extension of wharf 8, one hectare of reclamation, dredging the channel and harbour, and rebuilding the outer breakwater.

It will also include upgrading the last of the port’s log yards with its award-winning stormwater treatment system.

Eastland Port infrastructure manager Marty Bayley said, “This is a significant milestone for Eastland Port and Tairāwhiti. We’ve worked with many different experts, hapū and iwi, neighbours, businesses, our customers, and the community to future-proof the port.”

“Together we have developed a balanced solution that considers the integrity of historical and cultural sites around the port and the local environment, while at the same time supporting the community and economy.”

“Now more than ever we need to upgrade our infrastructure and prepare the port to ensure we can keep ahead of the demand of projected volumes of wood products, the growing horticulture sector, cruise ships and enable containerisation.”

When the project is completed, two ships between 185 and 200 metres long will be able to safely berth at the same
time. These will include logging ships, produce vessels, wood chip ships, coastal container vessels and smaller cruise liners.

“The Twin Berth project will help unlock Tairawhiti’s long-term economic growth by providing the capacity needed for a thriving forestry industry, offering more opportunities for exporters and importers, and creating more jobs for our region,” Mr Bayley said.

“With more than a quarter of employment in Tairāwhiti coming from forestry and agriculture, and the processing of the products from these industries, increased capacity at Eastland Port will bring huge benefits to the region.

“Economic modelling for the project shows $84 million will be put into the pockets of local contractors through construction and in the long-term it will enable an extra $250 million to be added to our region’s GDP.”

Visit www.eastlandport.nz for more information about the Twin Berth project.