21 February 2012
POAL Industrial Stoppage – Frequently Asked Questions
Refer to Ports of Auckland Industrial Update webpage for
updated changes as they come to hand.
Q: How long are the strikes going to
go on?
A: A resolution has not been reached
and as we move forward with the need for change further strike action is
possible. We will keep you updated as
things develop – keep checking the web page on the link above for updates.
Q: Will the port continue to issue
lockout notices?
A: At this stage we do not anticipate
any further lockouts.
Q: What parts of POAL’s business will strike action affect?
A: The Fergusson and Bledisloe container terminals, including:
- receivals and deliveries (R&D), both road and rail;
- internal wharf shuttle operations; and
- movement of full containers to the Customs, MAF
inspection and fumigation areas.
Q: What access will be available for
visitors to the Port during strike periods?
A: Access will be available to the main administration building at Fergusson
and through the Tinley Street gate for Multi Cargo and operational areas.
Q: What access will staff and
contractors have to the Port during strike periods?
A: For people working at Fergusson Container Terminal access can be via
Fergusson gate or Tinley Street gate. For Multi-Cargo operations access will be
via Tinley Street and for the Fergusson on-dock Empty Depot via Fergusson Gate
C.
Q: What parts of POAL business will
be operating during strike periods?
A: Multi-cargo operations including R&D through Tinley Street gate for
Multi-cargo vessels, Port of Onehunga and the Wiri Inland Port, our vehicle
import trade through Multi-cargo wharves, cruise ships, POAL Marine services,
including the Awanuia fuel barge and the on-dock Empty Container Depot at
Fergusson Terminal.
Q: What will be the Receival and
Delivery hours of operation at the Fergusson and Bledisloe Terminals prior to and
during any strike periods?
A: For up to date details refer to this Customer Advisory
Q: What will be the hours of
Operation for the Customer Services team during this time?
A: For up to date details refer to this Customer Advisory
Q: Will rail be available for the
Multi-Cargo Wharves?
A: No, all rail movements will cease during the period of the stoppages.
Q: Will I have to pay demurrage if
my container has to sit on the wharf during the closure?
A: No, demurrage will not apply for the periods that the Terminal is closed. Refer to container tracking on the website for
Last Free Time for individual vessels.
Other demurrage issues will be dealt
with on a case-by-case basis by the Customer Services Team.
Q: Will export demurrage apply if my
container has to be delivered early because of the closure times?
A: It is unlikely that containers will be on the wharf for longer than the
normal seven free days. Exceptions will be dealt with by the Customer Services
Team on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Will reefer containers be
monitored during closure times?
A: Arrangements have been made to have the temperatures monitored and any
problems will be dealt with per our current agreements. The safe keeping of
reefer cargo is important to us.
Q: What will happen to hazardous
cargo that cannot stay on the wharf for longer than 72 hours?
A: We are working with the Department of Labour on the safe storage of
hazardous cargo over this time; however please liase with our Customer Services
Team regarding any Hazardous containers at the Port leading into the strike
period. Discharge of Hazardous Class 1 cargo will be arranged with the relevant
shipping lines on a vessel-by-vessel basis.
Q: Will I have to pay the hazardous
storage charge if the container is on the wharf for longer than 72 hours?
A: No, the storage free period will align with the relevant Demurrage free
period. Refer to container tracking on the website for Last Free Time
for individual containers.
Q: Can we store containers at the Wiri Inland
port?
A: Yes and any arrangements need to be made directly with CONLINXX. During a
strike period there will be limited or no container handling capacity available
at the two Terminals which will impact the ability to load containers to/from
Wiri Inland Port and the Waitemata Seaport during this time. This applies to both road and rail. Please contact CONLINXX directly for specific
queries.
Q: Will the Empty Depot at Fergusson
operate?
A: Yes the on-dock Empty Depot will be operating during strike action periods.
For up to date details refer to the following Customer Advisory
Q: What vessels will be affected?
A: Please refer to the shipping line with whom your cargo is booked.
Q: Will Customs and Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) container status be available?
A: The X-ray facility will be operational. Export containers requiring X-ray and
arriving by truck for Multi-Cargo vessels can access the X-ray facility via the
Tinley Street gate. However, export and import containers already within the
Port which are nominated for inspection will not be able to be moved during a
strike period. POAL is working closely with Customs and MAF regarding their
requirements and any enquiries should be directed to our Customer Services
Team.
Q: If I have nominated Auckland as
the discharge port for an import container and the ship is diverted to
Tauranga, will I have to re-submit docs?
A: NZ Customs confirm an amendment will be required and suggest deferring
clearances until the discharge port is known. Any change to the entry
originally tendered will automatically be registered in a work queue for
review. Please refer to the Ports of Auckland Industrial Action webpage for
updates on vessel movements as they come to hand.
Q: How do I keep updated with the
changing developments at the Port?
A: Please refer to the Ports of Auckland Industrial Action webpage for
updates on vessel movements as they come to hand, along with Customer
Advisories and Media Releases.
For more information please contact:
Terminal Customer Services team
P: +64 9 348 5100
customerservice@poal.co.nz
