Ports of Auckland to be NZL’s major customer at Tauranga

Ports of Auckland has committed to being NZL Group’s major customer at its planned Sulphur Point container terminal, and has advised Port of Tauranga accordingly, the company said this morning.

“Ports of Auckland will be NZL’s major customer when it establishes operations at the Port of Tauranga,” Managing Director Jens Madsen said.

“We are looking forward to the re-establishment of their Sulphur Point terminal and to being able to add a Tauranga option to our existing product range.”

“This gives us an entry point into the Bay of Plenty and access to existing infrastructure.”

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Final tick for Wiri Inland Port rail exchange

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.”

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Container volumes hit record high

Container volumes hit an all-time high of 59,585 (81,772 TEU) at Ports of Auckland in December, compared to 52,599 (72,241 TEU) for the same month last year, yielding a 13.2% increase. The previous high was 58,484 (81,915 TEU) in March 2007.

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 new services.”

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.

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.

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.”

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Empty deport opening hours extended

The Fergusson Empty Depot is now open 24-hours a day from 0700 hours Monday to Saturday, following feedback from transport operators.

The Depot will close at 1800 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Bledisloe Empty Depot hours are unchanged.

Harbour busy this summer

During the Auckland Anniversary Regatta on Monday 26 January, commercial shipping will be suspended between approximately 0800 hours and 1200 hours. Agents of any affected vessels will be contacted directly in an effort to mitigate any impact.

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is scheduled for Friday 30 January to Saturday 14 February. Ports of Auckland is liaising with the Harbourmaster and the race committee leading up to and during the event to ensure activities are conducted in the best interests of both Port customers and this major maritime event.

Conflicts between racing and commercial shipping movements will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Solutions may include short delays to race starts or ship movements between approximately 0930 hours and 1730 hours on race days. Such delays should not exceed one hour.

These measures have been put in place in consultation with the Auckland Harbourmaster in the interests of safety.

For more information about Ports of Auckland’s involvement in this year’s Auckland Anniversary Weekend celebrations click the ‘Read more’ link below.

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