Stronger container volumes have prompted Lyttelton Port to issue a profit upgrade.
Excluding asset write downs and insurance payouts after the earthquakes in the region, the port expects to make $12 million in the year to the end of June, up from a previous forecast of $10 million.
Chief executive Peter Davie expects container volumes to rise 7%, as Canterbury's productive sector has been relatively unscathed by the quakes.
Mr Davie says the port has now moved into the planning phase for the long-term rehabilitation of its earthquake-damaged facilities, and the development of the port.
On Wednesday, the Government announced it was fast-tracking reclamation work that will use rubble from the earthquakes.
About 42,000 tonnes of earthquake rubble is already on site, and the consent will allow approximately 1 million tonnes of rubble to be used.
