Northport could double in size: calls for feedback

AND THEN: Linear expansion would almost double the berth capacity.

Northport at Marsden Point has a view to nearly double in size but will not draw up a proposal until any group or individual with an opinion on the idea has had their say.

The port company's vision will not become a fully formed or even a formal proposal without that community and wider feedback, chief executive Jon Moore said.

''This is not yet a proposal, it's a vision we're putting up for community feedback,'' Mr Moore said.

Northport's tentative pre-proposal sketch for ''discussion and feedback'' includes almost doubling the berth capacity from the current 570 metre to 1309 metres and its footprint from 48 hectares to 75 hectares.

The expansion would involve a linear berth development to the east and west of the present wharves, meaning no further encroachment into the harbour.

The area also backs on to a large industrial park which creates a port-activity related potential area larger than Auckland's port and CBD area between Parnell and Ponsonby.

Mr Moore reiterated Northport's Vision for Growth would not be a ''proposal'' until the company could review feedback from shipping and transport industries, the public, local and central government, iwi, recreation groups and any other interested parties.

''It's a conversation starter, a vision based on what we believe is possible here.''

However, Northport's growth would be key to the growth of the upper North Island, he said.

Already there are fortnightly coastal shipping runs to Tauranga and Lyttelton, freighting Northland and imported products.

Expanding the facility would mean Northport was ready to meet forecast demand for shipping: ''A trade route to give Northland business more transport options.''

The vision does not include a dedicated cruise liner berth, and steers away from the topic of rail links and other transport issues which Mr Moore said are outside Northport's scope.

Port owner Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd is a 50 percent shareholder/partner with Ports of Tauranga, and the board is 100 per cent for the Northport Vision for Growth, he said.