Ferry project works future-proof power source

Early works for the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project in Picton are well underway with more than half of the 250-metre Vehicle Access Bridge removed and the successful relocation of the port’s power transformer and switch room.

The 11 KVA High Voltage transformer and LV (Low Voltage) switch room provides power to both Port Marlborough and KiwRail sites, and has been relocated to facilitate deconstruction site sequencing and the laying of underground cabling to support the operation of the two new ferries.

“More than a month of preparation was needed to ensure the relocation happened seamlessly and minimised the impact on Port business as usual,” said Project Engineer James Joubert. “Staggered power shutdowns were succesfully planned and rolled out around ferry arrivals and departures over two days during the last week of January.

Three electricians from Total Electrix worked with Marlborough Lines and CMT Contracting to shut down and switch power to a generator while the transformer and switch room was moved to a pre-prepared area near the Port Marlborough workshop. The switch room now sits on a concrete pad connected to the transformer with new wiring and ducting.

“While this might seem like a small job, it was a complex exercise and involved multiple parties working together.   said James.

“During the relocation KiwiRail took the opportunity to test their power shutdown protocols, and the new placement means contractors can continue working within a confined area to deconstruct the rest of the Vehicle Access Bridge and remove the old Aratere linkspan.”

“The relocation has huge benefits for the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project and we thank everyone involved for their close collaboration.”

The area vacated by the transformer and switch room is now being sealed ready for Bluebridge use while HEB will move closer to the linkspan.

Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project – Vehicle Access Bridge Demolition update

The deconstruction of the 250-metre Vehicle Access Bridge as part of the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project at Port Marlborough has passed its half-way point, with six of the eight bridge spans now already dismantled and deconstructed by HEB Construction.

Each span weighs close to 200 tonnes and is being removed using two cranes lifting in tandem. Once on the ground, the spans are cut into smaller sections, transported off site and processed for reuse, with approximately 90 percent of the material diverted from landfill and recycled into aggregate, aligning with and exceeding Port Marlborough’s sustainability targets.