Timaru’s port now has a new array of equipment to combat fuel spills in its harbour.
Two local companies, The Front Store (a division of Andar Holdings) and South Eastern Resources, have combined forces to build and equip the port’s second oil-spill trailer unit.
Environment Canterbury’s regional harbourmaster Tony Whiteley and the chairperson of the council’s navigation safety committee Bronwen Murray, also a South Canterbury regional councillor, inspected the new unit this week and commended the companies on their initiative.
The unit, which includes fuel containment booms and absorption pads, along with a stock of oil dispersant, will be a great asset for the port, Tony Whiteley said.
“It also shows the willingness of local businesses to help in any clean-up operation. Together with the trailer equipped by Sanford that is already available for use at the port, it will be a very useful addition to the other equipment on hand in Timaru, such as additional booms and skimmers.”
Depending on availability, the trailer unit could also be deployed for oil or diesel spills in South Canterbury lakes or rivers, as it was so portable, he said.
The trailer unit was a brilliant example of a local joint venture, Cr Murray said.
“I can’t believe how far this port has come in terms of its commitment to looking after its harbour environment – it’s absolutely vital work too as PrimePort Timaru is so important to South Canterbury.”
The trailer’s exterior paint job includes details of ECan’s pollution hotline number - 0800 76 55 88.

For further information: Cr Bronwen Murray, Chair Navigation Safety Committee, 03 680 6608, 027 206 2878 or Tony Whiteley, ECan Regional Harbourmaster, 027 223 3826