Octa provided full project management services to Port Otago for the 135m extension of the multi-purpose wharf at Port Chalmers. The original wharf was one of Octa’s first projects with Port Otago Ltd in 1989. This extension was needed to provide operational flexibility and accommodate the growing number of cruise ship visits.
The wharf was constructed by HEB Construction Ltd under a design build contract. In addition to project management, Octa undertook the role of Engineer to the Contract.
Port Chalmers is New Zealand’s third largest export port, and careful planning was required to address access and security issues associated with undertaking major construction works in an operating port. A dedicated site area and access road was established with detailed procedures established to manage the delivery of construction materials to site to meet security and safety requirements.
The new wharf extension was a similar design to the existing wharf and involved 46 x 914mmOD piles and 92 x 712mm piles with a 750mm thick wharf deck.
Construction proceeded well with the completion of the wharf achieved by the end of September 2018. The contract was varied to include sheet piling in front of the multipurpose wharf, this completion date was six weeks ahead of the anticipated contract completion date.
* NZ Construction Excellence Awards, Highly Commended, 2019
Photo credit : Otago Daily Times
