Seaview Energy Resilience Project
The Seaview Wharf Energy Resilience Project delivered a complex, multi-stage upgrade under exceptional operational constraints. As the sole off-loading point for refined fuels supplying the lower North Island, uninterrupted operations were critical throughout delivery. Approaching 50 years in service and damaged during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, the wharf required significant strengthening to meet modern seismic standards, respond to climate risk, and accommodate larger vessels.
A key differentiator was the development of the Matrix of Permitted Operations (MOPO)—a bespoke safety and planning tool co-designed with CentrePort, Holmes, and fuel industry stakeholders. The MOPO enabled safe, coordinated construction while maintaining continuous fuel supply, fostering shared accountability and proactive risk management between construction crews and live terminal operations. This approach empowered frontline teams, improved decision-making, and drove productivity in a high-risk environment.
Across stages 1A, 1A+ and 1B, works included large-diameter bored piles, major precast elements, a reinforced concrete wharf spine, and new mooring dolphins to enhance capacity and safety. Extensive offsite prefabrication and the use of jack-up barges reduced overwater work, minimised environmental exposure, and enabled delivery within tight weather and shipping windows. Substructure digital scanning generated an accurate 3D model, allowing design solutions to be tested virtually—identifying clashes early and avoiding costly rework during construction.
Environmental protection was integral to delivery. Marine mammal management included trained local observers, exclusion zones, and bubble curtains to reduce underwater noise during piling. Collaboration with environmental specialists ensured noise thresholds were appropriate for local species. Kororā (little blue penguins) were safeguarded through site exclusion measures, monitored relocation with Department of Conservation support, and the installation of new nesting habitats away from the works area.
A key differentiator was the development of the Matrix of Permitted Operations (MOPO)—a bespoke safety and planning tool co-designed with CentrePort, Holmes, and fuel industry stakeholders. The MOPO enabled safe, coordinated construction while maintaining continuous fuel supply, fostering shared accountability and proactive risk management between construction crews and live terminal operations. This approach empowered frontline teams, improved decision-making, and drove productivity in a high-risk environment.
Across stages 1A, 1A+ and 1B, works included large-diameter bored piles, major precast elements, a reinforced concrete wharf spine, and new mooring dolphins to enhance capacity and safety. Extensive offsite prefabrication and the use of jack-up barges reduced overwater work, minimised environmental exposure, and enabled delivery within tight weather and shipping windows. Substructure digital scanning generated an accurate 3D model, allowing design solutions to be tested virtually—identifying clashes early and avoiding costly rework during construction.
Environmental protection was integral to delivery. Marine mammal management included trained local observers, exclusion zones, and bubble curtains to reduce underwater noise during piling. Collaboration with environmental specialists ensured noise thresholds were appropriate for local species. Kororā (little blue penguins) were safeguarded through site exclusion measures, monitored relocation with Department of Conservation support, and the installation of new nesting habitats away from the works area.
Our Sustainable Solution
BPC successfully employed environmental protections on the Seaview project.
Find out how we did it
