The extensive pinus radiata forests of Otago and Southland are a significant and rapidly growing resource.

Log and lumber exports are complemented by further processing at a number of plants in the region.

The focal point for the export of forestry products is Port Chalmers. Port Otago is uniquely suited to providing efficient and cost-effective handling of this resource, with the purpose-built forestry berth and adjacent log storage area at Back Beach.

With 5.5 hectares of flat, paved area, served by road and rail, Back Beach is ideal for the aggregation, marshalling and shipping of logs, lumber and other forestry based exports.

At 412 metres long, with a maximum draught of 11.6 metres, the forestry berth caters for all types of conventional vessels suited to the forestry trade, including fully-laden wood chip carriers