The shipping platform

Location: Lyttelton is situated on the E coast of South Island, approx 12km from Christchurch. General overview: The sheltered port of Lyttelton is the deepest commercial port servicing the South Island of New Zealand. The port is capable of handling large container vessels, bulk coal carriers, Ro-Ro, conventional and cruise vessels. Marine facilities are complemented by 4 modern heavy duty concrete berths for containerised and dry bulk cargo, 8 general cargo berths and an oil berth. A wide variety of modern cargo handling equipment is available including container cranes, bulk shiploader, conveyor system, grain silos, straddle carriers and forklifts. An efficient network of road and rail links allows the fast and effective movement of cargoes of virtually any size or shape. The main commodities handled include petroleum, LPG, coal, meat, fertilisers, motor vehicles, timber, fruit, cement, vegetables and other food products. Traffic figures: Approx 1,200 vessels and 9,000,000t of cargo handled annually, including 250,000TEU, bulk fuel 1,000,000t, coal 1,600,000t, other cargo 1,800,000t and 65,000 passengers. Load line zone: Summer. Max size: Max LOA 300m, beam 36m and draught 12.4m HW. Coal vessels max airdraught 15.1m MLWS. Largest vessels handled: "Diamond Princess" and sister ship "Sapphire Princess" cruise ships, 115,900GT.