Relevant documents and publications
Water pollution hotline
Ports of Auckland works closely with the Auckland Regional Council to identify and clean-up spills in the marine environment. You can notify the ARC or our Harbour Control department if you notice an issue or incident of water pollution.
ARC hotline +64 9 377 3107
POAL Harbour Control +64 367 5490
Environmental management
Ports of Auckland is committed to operating sustainably and has a superb track record in environmental management.
Ports of Auckland won 2009 Green Ribbon Award.
We take pride in helping New Zealand businesses optimise environmental efficiency throughout the product life cycle, and in delivering world class environmental management.
Our annual Sustainability Review provides a public report on our performance against key indicators including electricity, diesel and water use, recycling, off-peak truck moves and the proportion of cargo carried by rail.
In 2009, Ports of Auckland was recognised by the Ministry for Environment with a prestigious Green Ribbon Award in the 'Business making a difference category' .
Energy and water use
Ports of Auckland undertakes an annual inventory of its carbon emissions. The inventory is independently audited.
Ports of Auckland’s total emissions for 2008 were down 17.4% from 2007 to an estimated 24,456.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e, a composite measurement of the six gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol).
The majority of emissions are directly related to diesel and electricity use. Three of the largest energy users are our marine floating plant, such as tugs and pilot boats, our cargo-handling machines – cranes and straddle carriers – and refrigerated containers, many of which carry important New Zealand exports. However, continued efforts to reduce diesel and electricity use are paying off, with consistent improvement in key indicators.
Ports of Auckland’s hybrid straddle carriers use 90% less fuel than older diesel models.
For example, ongoing fuel efficiency is being provided by the Port's 35 hybrid diesel-electric straddle carriers – the most sophisticated in New Zealand. The new machines generate 90% fewer particle emissions, use 20% less fuel and make less noise than older diesel-only models.
A major lighting efficiency programme, which saw 1,300 floodlights replaced with 650 environmentally friendly, fully shielded lights, has reduced electricity use at the Port by 15%.
A real-time monitoring system helps to identify ongoing opportunities for improvement and waste reduction in electricity and fuel consumption.
Recent performance is detailed further in our Sustainability Review.
Recycling
Ports of Auckland recycles paper, cans, plastic and glass, as well as other operational materials. In 2009, 30,000m3 of dredged materials and 0.7 hectares of pavement was recycled in the Fergusson reclamation and other construction works. Our engineering division reuses or recycles oil, scrap steel and copper wire, and recently introduce an efficiency project to extend tyre life by 25% to 50%.
Transport
Ports of Auckland tracks the use of transport modes for moving cargo to and from the Auckland seaport. While cargo owners ultimately select the mode of transport for their goods, Ports of Auckland works to support the efficient use of road, rail and coastal shipping.
Currently around 39% of all truck moves are after-hours, lessening the impact during peak commuter hours, and around 10% of all moves are via rail, with trans-ships (ship to ship moves) making up the balance.
Ports of Auckland continues to invest in new ways to handle and move cargo, such as the development of the Wiri Inland Port and rail link. We also collaborate with other industry leaders to help develop better, more integrated supply chain solutions.
Spills
Ports of Auckland works closely with the Auckland Regional Council to identify and clean up occasional spills of diesel, bilge or other liquids from commercial shipping into the marine environment.
