Replacement works on the Far North’s busiest pontoon are progressing well, with the project due for completion this week and in time for the start of the summer season.
Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL) commenced demolition works to Paihia’s P7 Pier on Thursday (September 21) last week, which acts as a vital transport link between Kōrorāreka Russell and Paihia communities, with most of the area’s daily ferry traffic using the pontoon.
The replacement of the 25-year-old steel pontoon with a new modern concrete pontoon and associated piles will cost $600k and is due for completion by Friday (September 29).
Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) Maritime general manager Chris Galbraith said the demolition of the existing pontoon and removal of steel piles had taken six hours last Thursday.
Galbraith said due to rough sea conditions, works had been paused until Wednesday (September 27), with the project now underway again and progressing quickly.
“Essentially the four steel piles have been vibrated in and a gangway attached, with the sleeves going in on Wednesday,” he said.
“Today (Thursday) will be the fender piles and dolphins, so the project should be completed by Friday with minimal disruption.
“So all in all, the progress of the facility is going really well and we will definitely be up and running for the upcoming summer season.”
The new pontoon will be 15m by 5.5m wide and designed to take new electrical charging stations for the future of electric boats.