Port Otago intends applying for resource consent from the Otago Regional Council to extend its container wharf a further 140m at a cost of between $5 million and $10 million.
Port Otago chief executive Geoff Plunket said the proposed extension would not involve anyreclamation.
The container berth No 2, or multi-purpose berth, would be extended 140m to the end of the existing Boiler Point reclamation, at a width of 48m, and include a fishing platform.
Community groups and stakeholders, such as local iwi, the Department of Conservation and Careys Bay Association, would be consulted on the proposal, Mr Plunket said.
The extension was prompted by the need to ensure there were adequate facilities available, including for the increasing pressure of hosting cruise ships at Port Chalmers.
Until resource consent was successfully gained, there was no timeframe for the extension and nor would construction start immediately.
However, Mr Plunket said that subject to getting consent, it was "not about if, but when" the extension was done.
The extension would have a vessel draught of 13m, but the area would not require additional dredging, other than regular maintenance.
Two other resource consents will be applied for.
One to is to update the existing coastal permit issued in 1994 covering the seabed and foreshore and will include Boiler Point and Back Beach reclamations completed after 1994.
The other is to raise the maintenance workshop roof to service straddle carriers more efficiently.
