WELLINGTON: The Lyttelton Port New Zealand has bought land in Rolleston, southwest of Christchurch, where it will develop an inland container hub. The 27-hectare site would be used as an exchange point for containers heading in and out of the port by road and rail.
The port’s Chief Executive Peter Davie said Rolleston was an ideal location because of its proximity, and direct road and rail access to the sea port. He said the hub would significantly strengthen Lyttelton’s position as the main South Island freight gateway.
Development at the site will start by 2015. By mid-2015, the port authority plans to launch a non-rail based service, which is presently being worked out. The cargo hub is expected to be fully operational with the rail service in early 2016.
“This is a step change in container service for importers and exporters in our region and for LPC’s business operations. The inland hub will also support and strengthen Lyttelton Port’s role as a vital link in international trade routes and in the global transport network.”
“The Rolleston inland hub will provide significantly improved supply chain efficiency, particularly for Central Canterbury importers and exporters, and reduce the number of container trucks moving through Christchurch City to Lyttelton.
Besides being adequately equipped for receiving and delivering import and export containers, the inland hub will provide storage and repairing facilities for containers and help in transferring containers between trucks and trains.
LPC chief executive Peter Davie said: “This will significantly strengthen LPC’s position as the main freight gateway in the South Island.”
The strategic location of Rolleston hub works in its favour, as it has road and rail connections with direct link to 14 shipping lines and nine shipping services which calls at Lyttelton.
Besides, it is also adjacent to the main south rail line, which connects Lyttelton Container Terminal and CityDepot.
The hub is located near a land site that has been rezoned for business purposes and it will allow direct container exchange with the warehouses and businesses along the shared boundary, helping avoid container transportation through road.
