Coastal container ship first to tie up at Wharf No. 7

The coastal container ship Rangitata was the first ship to dock at the new Wharf 7 at Eastland Port this week. She is pictured behind the log boat Ken Haru. Picture by Liam Clayton

The new Wharf 7 development at Eastland Port has been used for the first time with the docking of the coastal container ship Rangitata.

She has been discharging a load of 2000 tonnes of fertiliser for Ravensdown.

The Rangitata, first ship to dock there, was moored behind the bulk carrier Ken Haru, here to load logs.

Both were scheduled to leave the port today.

Eastland Port Chief Operating Officer Regional Infrastructure Andrew Gaddum said it was a momentous period in the port’s history to have the two ships alongside together.

“We cannot think of a more meaningful vessel than the Rangitata to berth alongside Wharf 7 for the first time.

“It’s been a journey getting the new wharf operational and we couldn’t be happier that we’ve reached the end of this project.

“We look forward to welcoming a range of vessels alongside Wharf 7 in the near future.”

Mr Gaddum said they already have 10 cruise ships lined up to berth on the new wharf over the summer.

Eastland Port will celebrate the opening of the new wharf on Saturday August 26, from 10am until noon, with a Wharf Wheels event. Families will be invited to bring their children along to bike, skate, scooter and generally zoom around the new wharf, and there will be a “tugboat ballet” put on involving the tugs Maki and Ika Nui.