The Port of Napier will spend more than $20 million on another berth to cope with the region's growing economy.
The port, 91.6 per cent of which is owned by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, aims to seek a resource consent next year for a new berth on its westernside.
The berth will be larger than the port's Cassidy Quay berth, which was built at a cost of $16 million in the mid-1990s.
In its annual report released today, port chairman Peter Wilson said the company wanted to build a further berth to the west of the present one. The new berth would ensure the port could handle more than one container vessel at a time and meet the requirements of larger ships that were either in service or were being planned for service to and from New Zealand.
Once the berth was completed the port's cargo storage area would also be expanded with reclamation on its western side.
Mr Wilson said the proposed development was within the existing lease boundaries and it was the board's view that it would meet the region's needs for the foreseeable future.
In reaching its decision, the port said it had taken into account the interests of those affected by its activities and balanced the regional and community needs, Mr Wilson said.
The resource consent processes would enable the proposal to be tested and consents were expected to be lodged in three to four months after further consultation with stakeholders.
