Container volumes hit an all-time high of 59,585 at Ports of Auckland
in December, compared to 52,599 for the same month last year (+13.2%).
The previous high was 58,484 in March 2007.
In 20-foot equivalent units, a standard shipping industry measure, the
Port processed 81,772 TEU, compared to 72,241 in December 2007. This
figure is also the highest recorded since March 2007’s 81,915. March is
traditionally a strong month for exports at the Port.
Managing Director Jens Madsen said changes to ship calls had benefited
Auckland.
“The pre-Christmas import season was surprisingly solid and we have also
seen good volumes from Pacifica Shipping’s new coastal service.”
Mr Madsen said that operationally the Port had handled the high volumes
well, with great cooperation from customers including the trucking
community.
“Key operational measures including crane and straddle moves per hour
have improved substantially,” Mr Madsen said.
“We have made significant progress since March 2007, when the Port was
temporarily gridlocked by high volumes following some major shipping
services shifting to Auckland.”
“New technology and operational innovations, like dual-direction
straddle driving, are delivering significant productivity gains. We are
now much better placed to handle increased container volumes.”
“Thanks are also due to our customers and the road transport industry
for going the extra mile to help us work through this busy period.”
Ports of Auckland’s cruise business has also been busy, with 10 calls
during December and a total of 70 projected for the 2008/09 financial
year, including the 23 February 2009 visit of the Queen Mary 2, one of
the largest and most famous cruise ships in the world.
However, the news was not all rosy, with a significant drop in the
number of imported cars handled at the Port’s General Wharves. In
December 2008, the Port handled 9,110 imported vehicles compared to
11,955 in the same month last year.
“Stockpiling of vehicles by dealers prior to the 2008 emissions rule has
combined with the economic downturn to spark a major drop-off in car
imports,” Mr Madsen said.
Mr Madsen said while he was satisfied with the December volumes and the
first six months of the financial year in general, he remained very
concerned about the outlook for 2009.
“January volumes are looking relatively soft and we are gearing the
company to face the challenges of the global recession.”
“We will be watching the beginning of the export season in February with
great interest.”
For further information contact:
Catherine Etheredge
Senior Manager – Communications
P: 09 309 1255
E: etheredgec@poal.co.nz
M: 027 477 7501
Megan Hopkins-Stone
Communications Advisor
P: 09 309 1247
E: hopkins-stonem@poal.co.nz
M: 027 221 7126