Golden Bay Silo Deconstruction - Port Taranaki
Location: Port Taranaki, New Plymouth
Client: Golden Bay Cement / Port Taranaki Ltd
Project Type: Industrial Silo Demolition & Material Recovery
Project Overview
Nikau Contractors was engaged to carry out the deconstruction of redundant cement storage silos at Port Taranaki, a live port environment with strict operational and environmental controls. The project required careful planning, tailored demolition methodologies, and precise execution to remove the silos safely without disrupting surrounding infrastructure or port operations.
Our approach combined high-reach cut-and-crane techniques with controlled mechanical demolition, allowing us to manage vibration-sensitive areas and maintain full compliance with the port’s operational safety framework.
Scope of Works & Methodology
1. Upper Silo Deconstruction – Cut & Crane Technique
The upper cylindrical sections of the silos were dismantled using cut-and-crane demolition methods, selected to ensure precise control over falling elements and reduce risk to nearby structures. Key activities included:
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Deployment of Nikau’s 90-tonne mobile crane
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Strategic cutting of silo segments at height by trained rigging crews
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Engineered lift plans for each section to ensure balance, safety, and clearance
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Coordination with port operations to minimise disruption and downtime
This method allowed the controlled removal of large prefabricated concrete and steel sections without excessive vibration or dust.
2. Lower Silo and Pad Demolition – Mechanical Breakdown
Once the upper structures were safely removed, the lower silo shells and support pads were taken down using machine demolition. This phase involved:
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Use of high-tonnage excavators with pulverisers and hydraulic hammers
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Sequenced pad breakup to manage loading and vibration near active services
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Dust suppression through water misting systems to meet environmental guidelines
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On-site material handling and sorting for recycling
This approach was critical in mitigating risk near underground utilities and essential port infrastructure.
Sustainability in Action – Concrete Recycling
In line with Nikau’s commitment to sustainable demolition practices, 100% of concrete material generated from the project was:
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Crushed and processed on-site or at an approved facility
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Repurposed for use in future construction and roading applications
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Diverted entirely from landfill, reducing environmental impact
This initiative directly supported Port Taranaki’s sustainability goals and reinforced our leadership in responsible resource recovery.
Resource-Backed Delivery
The successful delivery of the Golden Bay silo project was made possible by Nikau’s fully in-house capability, including:
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Highly trained personnel across rigging, cutting, crane operations, and machine demolition
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A wide-ranging fleet of heavy plant, attachments, and mobile cranes
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Comprehensive project management, safety systems, and environmental oversight
With all resources under one roof, we ensured seamless coordination, flexibility, and quality control at every stage.
Challenges & Solutions
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Tight Site Footprint: We carefully staged works to operate within confined port boundaries while maintaining access for port users.
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Vibration Sensitivity: Cut-and-crane demolition limited vibration risks near live services and underground conduits.
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Environmental Controls: Active dust suppression, noise management, and sediment control systems were deployed and monitored daily.
Project Outcome
The Golden Bay Silo Deconstruction stands as a clear example of Nikau’s ability to manage complex, multi-phase industrial demolition projects in live environments. By tailoring our methodology to site-specific conditions and leveraging our in-house fleet and workforce, we delivered a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible outcomethat exceeded client expectations.
