March 2026

Brian Perry Civil (BPC) successfully completed the 600‑metre pipe pull at Point Howard, on the 26th March, finishing the work two days ahead of schedule.

The pipeline was delivered to site in 36‑metre lengths during early morning hours (4am–6am) to minimise traffic disruption. These sections were welded together on site, with all welds coated and the work area enclosed using noise‑dampening materials to reduce construction noise. The completed pipeline was then pulled into position using a cable system extending from the pipe end to the Seaview wharf head and back to a winch located onshore.

During April, the project will move into the next phase with the pipeline being lowered into the seabed using a jetting process. This technique uses water jets to remove material beneath the pipeline, allowing it to self‑bury under its own weight and settle securely below the seabed surface. BPC’s floating barge will return to site to support and finalise this backfilling and embedment work.

The temporary footpath installed last month has been removed and the existing pathway reinstated. From mid‑April, a piling crew will commence removal of the steel H‑piles installed earlier in the year. This work is expected to take approximately two weeks and will generate periods of increased noise, with all activity carried out in accordance with construction noise requirements under the District Plan.

The overall project remains on track for completion by the end of the year.

Image 1: Pipework welded into 36m lengths at local yard ready for delivery to site

Image 2: 36m lengths being loaded into the “firing line” for welding to the next pipe

Image 3: Pipe entering the water via the temporary cofferdam

Image 4: Drone image of the firing line during the pipe pull. The white RH enclosure is where the pipe is welded, before being pulled forward into the LH enclosure where the weld is coated.