Ports of Auckland and ONTRACK have reached agreement on terms for the
establishment of a rail exchange linking the company’s inland port at
Wiri, South Auckland, to the Main Trunk Line.
The agreement follows confirmation in November 2008 of a $6m Government
contribution to the project.
Ports of Auckland Managing Director Jens Madsen said the rail connection
would be operational in the second half of 2009.
Ports of Auckland has invested $19m in developing its inland port at
Wiri, which it sees as a north/south stepping stone for importers and
exporters.
“Instead of trucking cargo through the central city to the seaport,
businesses will be able to drop off and pick up their goods at Wiri,” Mr
Madsen said.
“The rail connection will be a great option for businesses located in
South Auckland, Franklin and the Waikato.
“It’s also excellent news for Auckland City - we estimate the rail link
will save 100,000 central city truck trips and 2.5 million truck
kilometers a year, once fully operational.”
Mr Madsen said Ports of Auckland aimed to lift the proportion of cargo
carried by rail to 30% of throughput, compared to 12% currently.
“We need to work smarter and more efficiently to cater for this growth,”
Mr Madsen said. “The flexibility offered by the Wiri rail link is vital
to our long-term sustainability as a business.”
“We look forward to working closely with the New Zealand Railways
Corporation, ONTRACK and Kiwirail to make it a resounding success.”
The inland port, off Wiri Station Road, is close to a major distribution
centre for The Warehouse, State Highway 1 and State Highway 20.
Mr Madsen said the rail sidings and hardstand area adjacent to the
inland port would remain publicly owned by ONTRACK. “Reports that the
facility is on private land are untrue.”
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