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Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, New Zealand, has announced that it will be investing $13.7million in a new purpose built cruise berth in a move which is also set to have a positive effect on future bunker sales volumes.

The berth will be funded by a passenger development levy as agreed between the port, Cruise New Zealand, and cruise lines to New Zealand, and will include limited passenger facilities.

The cruise berth will be at a new location at the end of Cashin Quay berth on the western end of the Lyttelton Container Terminal.

The development of a short 40 metre heavy duty berth with a mooring dolphin at Cashin Quay berth would also add capacity as a container and general cargo berth during the cruise off season. This will be particularly useful as the port rebuilds facilities following the earthquake in Canterbury in September.

In the 2011-2012 season 72 cruise ships are forecast to arrive at Lyttelton. With sufficient berth capacity the port could see up to 100 vessels visit in a season in the future.

Peter Davie, Chief Executive of Lyttelton Port Company Ltd. (LPC), said the cruise berth development was critical to the region retaining the cruise industry.

LPC said it will undertake a robust communication and consultation programme with key stakeholders and the community as part of the consenting process for this project.

Davie added that the cruise market remains a large and growing presence in Canterbury tourism and that LPC expects to see a substantial increase in cruise visits to the port over the next 10 to 15 years.