Port of Auckland Straddle Carrier Decommissioning

PORT OF AUCKLAND STRADDLE CARRIER DECOMMISSIONING

Project Overview

Nikau Contractors Ltd was engaged by Port of Auckland to undertake the staged decommissioning of 34 end-of-life straddle carriers as part of a major port asset renewal programme.

The works involved the controlled dismantling, removal, and recycling of large mobile port infrastructure within an active container terminal environment, requiring careful coordination to maintain port operations, manage safety interfaces, and minimise disruption to surrounding activities.

To reduce onsite processing impacts and operational nuisance, straddle carriers were dismantled into large sections and transported offsite to Nikau’s Meremere facility for further processing.

Environmental Focus

A key objective of the project was to deliver a high-recovery, low-impact decommissioning solution consistent with the Port of Auckland’s environmental and sustainability commitments.

Nikau implemented comprehensive environmental controls, including:

• Full removal and management of diesel fuel, oils, and lubricants prior to dismantling

• Segregation of recyclable materials at source

• Offsite processing to minimise noise, dust, and congestion within the live port environment

This approach significantly reduced environmental risk while allowing port operations to continue safely and efficiently.

Recycling and Reuse

Material recovery and reuse were central to the project delivery. Key outcomes included:

• Removal and recycling of all straddle carrier tyres, transported to Tyrewise-approved recycling streams

• Salvage, containerisation, and export sale of Caterpillar C13 engines and generators to an overseas buyer for reuse

• Scrapping and export of approximately 2,200 tonnes of ferrous steel, diverted from landfill and reintroduced into global steel supply chains

This strategy maximised asset value recovery while supporting circular-economy outcomes.

Contractor Responsibilities

Nikau’s scope of works included full end-to-end decommissioning responsibility, including:

• Hazardous Materials Management

  • Removal of all diesel, oils, and fluids prior to dismantling

• Crane Operations

  • Cut-and-crane dismantling using Nikau’s 300-tonne mobile crane, allowing safe handling of large structural components

• Heavy Lift & Transport 

  • Transport of dismantled straddle carrier sections offsite to Nikau’s Meremere branch for processing

• Deconstruction & Processing

  • Controlled dismantling of steel structures and mechanical assemblies

  • Segregation of ferrous and non-ferrous materials

• Recycling & Export Logistics

  • Coordination of tyre recycling

  • Containerisation and export of engines, generators, and scrap steel

Project Challenges and Solutions

The decommissioning works were undertaken within a live container terminal, presenting complex challenges including interface management with port traffic, tight spatial constraints, and high-risk lifting operations.

Nikau addressed these challenges by:

• Developing detailed lift planning and exclusion zone management

• Sequencing works to align with port operational windows

• Removing major processing activities offsite to reduce disruption

• Applying proven heavy-industrial deconstruction methodologies supported by experienced crews and specialist plant

This approach ensured the project was completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on port operations.

For more information on the Tui Field Decommissioning Project, please contact us