South Port New Zealand Limited lodged a Resource Consent Application with Environment Southland to deepen the entrance channel and harbour to 10.7 metres. The benefits of removing the highpoints in the channel and increasing the current 9.7 metre operating draft would assist with improving safety margins for ship movements and provide greater capacity for vessels to take on additional cargo. It is important that Southland has a port with a competitive channel depth that will provide flexible options for shipping companies and new industry considering coming into the region. It is expected that the consent will be processed this calendar year and it is hoped that work can commence within the next 24 months.