The company has received consent from the Otago Regional Council to dredge 7.2 million cubic metres of material from its channel in Otago Harbour and deposit it at sea, as well as extend the port's multipurpose wharf.
An Environment Court spokeswoman yesterday confirmed the appellants were the Careys Bay Association, East Otago Taiapure Management Committee, Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki (Karitane runanga), New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen, Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association and Southern Clams.
Port Otago chief executive Geoff Plunket said three of the appeals related to the "AO" disposal site, one to the dredging of the harbour and "AO" and one to the wharf extension. He was to yet to receive notification of the final one.
During the three-week hearing in April, commissioners heard all the evidence and then issued a comprehensive decision addressing all the issues and supporting the project, he said.
"I think the appellants will have to bring new details and robust scientific evidence to support their appeals prior to mediation."
The port company had presented the best scientific evidence it could to the hearing so it was up to the other parties to provide similar evidence, he said.
"They need to show why the project should not go ahead."
As to the impact the appeal would have on the port's plans, Mr Plunket said the company had spent four years and $2.8 million on getting this far. The aim was to provide certainty for the company over the next 20 years.
"This process has demonstrated that. It has vindicated Port Otago's approach."
The Environment Court would soon set a pre-hearing conference date to assess the next steps for the case, such as mediation.
