In the past 20 years (up to 2015), Contech has been involved with repairs to six of the port’s wharves – the Fergusson container terminal, the Bledisloe multi-purpose terminal (which includes a third container-ship berth) and the Captain Cook, Freyberg, Jellicoe and Queens Wharves, which handle everything from general – or breakbulk – cargo to steel, timber, vehicles and dry and liquid bulk products. The 2014 project involved five separate wharves and a range of remedial activities including Queens Wharf breastworks repairs, a section of deck replacement on Freyberg Wharf, and undertaking substructure concrete repairs and installing Fabriform under Jellicoe Wharf and the Fergusson and Bledisloe container terminals.
This (2014 contract) was a particularly challenging project as it was based in some of the busiest parts of the port – and therefore a relatively dangerous workplace. The Contech guys had to contend with huge machines constantly on the move around the wharves, as well as the hazards of the marine environment when working on the substructures – not only the water and the tides, but also the tugs and other shipping vessels that constantly come and go. They also had to meet our rigorous health and safety standards and comply with our environmental management policy. It could have been a big headache, but somehow they made it easy.
They recognise that we work in a dynamic environment in which plans can change at short notice. They’re quick to adapt without complaint, they do a great job in keeping our wharves up to scratch and they leave the sites clean and tidy. Everyone at the port is very happy with Contech – great work, great attitude.”
We’re keen to look beyond conventional repair techniques – which may no longer meet our needs – to alternative approaches such as a greater use of cathodic protection systems. Contech’s practical experience will make a valuable contribution to our plans.