CentrePort chief executive Derek Nind said the November 14 earthquake caused ''significant damage'' to the port, especially to the container area, which made the 720-tonne, 86m-high cranes ''inoperable''.
''For the medium term we are developing a plan for interim works that could restore modified container operations within four to six months,'' Mr Nind said in a statement.
When asked about the extent and cost of damage, CentrePort said its assessment with insurers was ''ongoing'' and no estimate was available.
Its level of insurance, while not specified, was ''well insured'', a CentrePort spokesperson said.
CentrePort's key operations of ferries, fuel, logs, cars, and cruise ships continue to operate as normal.
Mr Nind said in the weeks ahead CentrePort planned ''to secure the cranes, as the first stage to develop operations for customers and build resilience in case of another significant event''.
In the meantime, the port would continue to work with shipping lines on options for using ships with their own cranes as an interim solution. Two such ships had already visited CentrePort since the earthquake.
''This would immediately improve CentrePort's capacity and productivity, allowing us to serve the needs of importers and exporters in the central region,'' Mr Nind said.
CentrePort would also start maintenance on the berth pockets alongside part of Aotea Quay wharf, given the earthquake had damaged Aotea Quay 1 and Thorndon Container Wharf.
