Peddinghaus and Ocean rebuild Christchurch

Peddinghaus and Ocean rebuild Christchurch

The 22nd of Feb 2011 was a terrifying day in Christchurch New Zealand. A magnitude 6.3 earthquake decimated the city, killing 185 people and destroying over 170,000 buildings.

Following the earthquake, and eleven months of more than four hundred 4.5 magnitude and higher aftershocks, the former picturesque city of Christchurch was no more. Most of the buildings in the city center collapsed, and those that remained standing had to be condemned.

February 22, 2011 earthquake - Christchurch, NZ
February 22, 2011 earthquake – Christchurch, NZ

February 22, 2011 earthquake - Christchurch, NZ
February 22, 2011 earthquake – Christchurch, NZ

February 22, 2011 earthquake - Christchurch, NZ
February 22, 2011 earthquake – Christchurch, NZ

February 22, 2011 earthquake - Christchurch, NZ
February 22, 2011 earthquake – Christchurch, NZ

And so a long hard project of rebuilding from the ruins was put into play. Steel Construction New Zealand, (SCNZ) the governing body of the steel industry, set about revising their building code, and steel became the building material of choice for the rebirth of Christchurch.

Through the hard work of our great partner, Impact Machinery, both Ocean Machinery and Peddinghaus set about installing the massive fabricating capacity that would be needed throughout the island, and in so doing, we have been instrumental in seeing the skyline of New Zealand change in front of our eyes.

John Jones Steel - Christchurch, NZ
John Jones Steel – Christchurch, NZ


Darren Harmsworth (Impact Machinery) with a 24″ x 24″ column being drilled on the Avenger

John Jones Steel - Christchurch, NZ
Ocean Avenger at John Jones Steel – Christchurch, NZ

Five years later, the skyline has changed and we are proud to have been part of this amazing journey of rebirth. Thanks to our partners, Impact Machinery, Peddinghaus and especially our New Zealand Fabricators.


The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ using the 24″ x 24″ columns drilled by the Ocean Avenger

The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ
The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ

The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ
The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ

The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ
The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ

The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ
The rebuilding of Christchurch, NZ

© Copyright 2024, Ocean Machinery Inc.