Technological (man-made) hazards

Shipping accidents

Although there are no records of major shipping accidents within the Auckland harbours this is still a risk in this coastal region.

A worst case scenario would involve a major ship collision with a structure that carries are large number of people (e.g. Auckland Harbour Bridge) and could result in:

• fatalities due to drowning of people on board the vessel
• emergency services including police, rescue services and hospitals stretched
• damage of infrastructure causing the port to be disabled or Auckland harbour bridge access lost, with consequent traffic congestion in the Central Business District, North Shore and Upper Harbour Drive areas
• longer term economic costs due to offshore clean-up and repair or reconstruction works onshore
• possible long term environmental consequences, depending upon ship cargo.