Pēwhairangi- Bay of Islands has been a flurry of activity in recent months, with a million dollars being pumped into critical maritime infrastructure.
In addition to the $400k Okiato Ferry Car Ramp repairs, Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL) is investing a further $600k to replace a 25-year-old steel pontoon with a new modern concrete pontoon and associated piles.
Paihia’s P7 Pier is the busiest pontoon in the Far North and a vital transport link between Kōrorāreka Russell and Paihia communities, with most of the area’s daily ferry traffic frequenting the pontoon.
Demolition work on the old pontoon will start tomorrow (Thursday, September 21)) and installation of the new one will take approximately 2-3 weeks.
Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) Maritime general manager Chris Galbraith said vessels would still be able to operate across the wharf using other pontoons while works were underway.
“FNHL is committed to investing in important infrastructure which supports local communities, as well as the wider Te Tai Tokerau tourism sector,” Galbraith said.
“This new pontoon will be 15m by 5.5m wide and will be designed to potentially take new electrical charging stations for the future of electric boats.”
25 September, 2023
